Former Chief Justice David Maraga has warned that Kenya risks sliding into lawlessness if the country fails to tackle the rising wave of political violence, commonly referred to as “goonism,” ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the Muthangari police station during a press conference organized by civic actors, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations, Maraga condemned attacks on the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TISA) and on activists, saying the nation’s democratic space is shrinking rapidly.
Maraga said the violence that has erupted in different parts of the country should serve as a clear warning to Kenyans.
“We are slowly descending to the state of Haiti. Haiti started like this. If you get government engaging goons to disrupt legal proceedings, including church worship proceedings, what are you telling the country?” he asked.
He urged Kenyans to reject political violence and to protect constitutional freedoms.
“I want to appeal to all Kenyans that we stand up and say no to what is happening. If we don’t do that, we are slowly descending to the state of Haiti and we cannot afford to have that.”
The former Chief Justice said the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and public participation, but he alleged that those rights are increasingly under attack.
“The government does not want to be held accountable. The government does not want to be questioned in whatever they are doing. We cannot have that.”
His comments came a day after violent clashes outside ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna attended worship with Christians. Police said one person died and 14 suspects were arrested in connection with the unrest.
