National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has publicly addressed the controversial withdrawal of security details for former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Wetang'ula offered a pointed explanation for the move, linking it directly to Maraga's alleged involvement in the recent June 25 Gen Z protests that escalated into violence and looting.
Speaking at a Mama Mboga Empowerment Forum held at Lukusi Primary School in Webuye East on Friday, June 27, the Speaker stated that Maraga's presence at the demonstrations was a key factor in the decision to remove his security.
He explained that such behaviour from someone who once held the country’s highest judicial office could harm the reputation of the Judiciary. He warned that it might also mislead young people who look up to the former Chief Justice as a figure of authority and integrity.
In a direct appeal, the Speaker urged Maraga to cease what he termed as "using young protestors for personal or for any political agendas."
He went ahead to ask the former CJ to act wisely, especially now, as his words and actions carry influence to the Kenyan youths.
His statement came hours after Maraga revealed in a letter to the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior that his security detail had been withdrawn in violation of the Constitution.
Maraga in the letter stated that despite him from retiring in January 2021 from the Chief Justice role, he still has the right to have security officers.
"Under the Act, the Retired Chief Justice is entitled to police security and drivers who are to be provided upon request by the retired Chief Justice," he added.
Maraga explained that on June 25, he was informed that one of the officers attached to him was asked not to report for duty.
"On June 25, the day I joined the youth and families of the victims who died and those who went missing from the events of a year ago, one of the officers attached to me was asked not to report for duty but instead go and make a routine monthly entry in the firearm register," he stated.
He added that the following day, he was told that the rest of the security officers had been asked to report to their stations, and no further information was given to him.
"The following day, on June 26, I was informed that the rest of the security officers had been asked to report to their stations, without any further information," the letter reads.
