Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the attack on journalists covering the homecoming of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua along Mombasa Road, calling for urgent action to safeguard constitutional rights.
In a statement released on Thursday, Maraga emphasized that freedom of the press and the right of citizens to assemble are guaranteed under the Constitution and must be protected at all times. He noted that the violent incident, which saw clashes between supporters and opponents of Gachagua, not only put journalists at risk but also threatened Kenya’s democratic progress.
“I strongly condemn the use of violence against citizens and journalists during the return of the former Deputy President from his visit to the United States,” Maraga said, expressing deep concern over the safety of media personnel who were caught in the fracas. Several journalists sustained injuries while covering the chaotic scenes along Mombasa Road.
The former Chief Justice highlighted that failure to address such incidents could undermine the gains Kenya has made in promoting democracy and upholding the rule of law. He called on political leaders and security agencies to ensure accountability and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“This is why I insist that we must urgently reset and restore our country to constitutionalism and the rule of law,” Maraga added, reiterating his longstanding stance on governance and constitutional accountability.
The incident occurred as Gachagua returned from a visit to the United States and was received by supporters at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Reports indicate that clashes broke out between different groups along the route, creating a tense environment for both residents and journalists covering the event.
Maraga has historically been vocal on issues of governance, often calling on leaders to respect the Constitution and uphold citizens’ rights. His latest statement serves as a reminder of the critical role of press freedom and the need for peaceful political engagement in Kenya.
The former CJ’s remarks come at a time when political tensions in the country remain high, underscoring the need for all stakeholders to prioritize the rule of law and ensure that violent confrontations do not disrupt democratic processes.
