Kenya Erupts: Former Chief Justice Maraga Joins Protests as Police Retreat
Nairobi, Kenya – 25 June 2025
Kenya witnessed massive nationwide protests on Wednesday as thousands marked the first anniversary of the deadly #GenZRevolution demonstrations that left dozens dead in 2024. In a dramatic turn, former Chief Justice David Maraga joined protesters in Nairobi, amplifying calls for justice and police accountability.
The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Z activists, remained mostly peaceful but turned tense in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) as police clashed with protesters, firing teargas into public transport vehicles and retreating under pressure from advancing crowds.
Maraga Stands in Solidarity with Protesters
In a surprise move, retired Chief Justice David Maraga publicly aligned himself with the protesters, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“In solidarity with the families and friends of the heroes and heroines of the third liberation.”
His statement sent shockwaves across political circles, with many interpreting it as a direct rebuke of President William Ruto’s administration. Maraga, known for his bold stance on judicial independence, has increasingly criticized government crackdowns on dissent.
Police Under Siege: Teargas, Retreats, and Public Outrage
In Nairobi CBD, chaotic scenes unfolded as police officers were forced to retreat after protesters charged at them. Witnesses reported officers firing teargas indiscriminately, including inside a matatu (public van), sparking fury among passengers.
“Kwani hawa ni wanyama aje?” (Are these people animals?) shouted one passenger, capturing the public’s anger over police brutality.
Meanwhile, in Githurai 45, along Thika Road, protesters overwhelmed police barricades, marching peacefully toward the city center. Similar demonstrations erupted in Kiambu, Ol Kalou (Nyandarua), and beyond, with crowds lighting candles and singing the national anthem in memory of those killed in last year’s protests.
Protesters Storm Central Police Station
In a bold move, a group of demonstrators stormed Nairobi’s Central Police Station, demanding to see the “killing walls” of police cells where detainees, including government critic Albert Ojwang’, allegedly died in custody.
Ojwang’, who died under mysterious circumstances, is the latest in a series of activists and opposition figures who have perished while in police custody, fueling accusations of extrajudicial killings.
Government Reaction: Mixed Signals from Moses Kuria
In a surprising statement, Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria praised the largely peaceful nature of the protests while urging restraint from both police and demonstrators:
“I am largely happy that Gen Z demonstrations across the country are largely peaceful AS IT SHOULD BE. I also want to commend the police for exercising restraint SO FAR… I challenge you to return all teargas canisters unused. Our democracy is coming of age.”
His remarks were met with skepticism, given last year’s violent crackdown that saw live bullets fired into crowds. Many Kenyans online accused him of “speaking from both sides of his mouth” amid reports of fresh police violence in some areas.
A Year After Bloodshed: Why Are Kenyans Still Protesting?
The protests mark one year since the #GenZRevolution, a youth-led uprising against tax hikes, corruption, and police brutality. The 2024 demonstrations turned deadly when police opened fire on unarmed protesters near Parliament, killing at least 45 people, according to human rights groups.
Despite government promises of reforms, little has changed:
- No police officer has been prosecuted for the killings.
- Tax burdens remain high, with new levies imposed in the 2025 Finance Bill.
- Abductions and police killings of activists continue under the guise of “maintaining order.”
Gen Z’s Unyielding Resistance
Unlike past protests led by politicians, Kenya’s Gen Z movement remains leaderless, organized largely through social media (X, TikTok, and WhatsApp). Their tactics—memes, viral hashtags, and decentralized protests—have made them harder to suppress.
“Wednesday is Wednesday,” protesters chanted, referencing their #TotalShutdown strategy, where every Wednesday is a day of mass action until demands are met.
Will the Government Listen This Time?
As night fell, Nairobi remained tense, with police blocking all roads to Parliament—a symbolic move to prevent a repeat of last year’s storming of the legislature.
President Ruto has yet to comment, but sources say he is under immense pressure from Western allies to avoid another bloodbath. Meanwhile, protesters vow to keep pushing, with plans for even larger rallies in the coming days.
What Next for Kenya?
With Maraga’s endorsement, the protests have gained a new layer of legitimacy, merging youth activism with elder statesmen’s support. If the government fails to act, analysts warn Kenya could slide into prolonged civil unrest, reminiscent of the 2007-2008 post-election violence.
For now, the streets belong to the people. And they are not backing down.
