Former Chief Justice David Maraga has shed light on his decision to join bereaved families during the June 25, 2025, memorial protest in honour of victims of last year’s anti-finance bill demonstrations. The peaceful march and flower-laying event was aimed at remembering the over 60 people who died and hundreds who were injured in June 2024 during clashes between protesters and police.
Speaking to Spice FM, Maraga explained that his participation was both an act of empathy and a call for national reflection.
“These people had a cause. They lost their loved ones. And I felt sympathetic and said, look, this is a cause I wanted to identify myself with,” Maraga said. “We are not supposed to be heartless. We are supposed to be concerned. If they are not concerned, some of us are.”
The June 25 memorial began at the National Centre, where families gathered before marching to the Dedan Kimathi statue to lay flowers. However, what was intended to be a peaceful procession was disrupted by police action. According to Maraga, the group was met with teargas after moving only a short distance.
“I have heard claims that some people blocked the road or lit tires. That was not there. Those people were peaceful,” he insisted.
Maraga criticised the police’s response, noting that authorities had initially assured the families of their support and facilitation during the event. “In fact, they said even the police would be there with them. So that is the last thing I expected,” he said.
Human rights organisations, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), have since condemned the police’s excessive use of force during the 2024 protests, highlighting the use of live bullets and teargas on unarmed citizens.
Despite government acknowledgment of some casualties and the launch of investigations, no senior officials have been held publicly accountable as of mid-2025. Maraga’s participation in the memorial served as a powerful reminder of the need for justice and accountability, as well as the importance of remembering the victims of state brutality.
