Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has formally addressed a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and the Inspector General of Police, expressing concern over the recent withdrawal of security officers assigned to him. Dated June 27, 2025, the letter outlines that Maraga, as a retired Chief Justice, benefits from protection under Section 5A of the Retired Presidents and Designated State Officers Act, Cap. 197B, which extends security to former judicial officers. He notes that since January 2021, he has relied on these officers, including armed guards and police drivers, as granted by the National Police Service, until their sudden removal on June 25, 2025.
The withdrawal of security personnel occurred on the same day Maraga joined youth and families of victims to commemorate a significant event, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. He reports that neither he nor the officers received prior notice, and the officers faced immediate instructions to report to their stations without further information. Maraga questions the timing, suggesting it disrupted a planned training exercise and lacked the usual consultation or formal communication typically associated with such decisions.
Maraga further connects this action to broader concerns about public safety and trust in law enforcement. He references the controversial murder of Albert Ojwang while in police custody, an incident he mentions in relation to the security officers’ withdrawal.
In response, Maraga demands the immediate restoration of his security detail, asserting that the withdrawal contravenes established legal provisions. He emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the decision-making process and calls for the officers to resume their duties promptly.
As the situation unfolds, the response from the Cabinet Secretary and Inspector General will likely shape the ongoing dialogue about the balance between administrative actions and the legal rights of former state officers.
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