Retired Chief Justice David Maraga claims his security has been withdrawn after he joined protests in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 25, demanding the immediate return of his police guards.

Maraga said police officers who have protected him since his retirement on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, were recalled without notice a day after he marched with youth and families of victims who died or went missing during last year’s demonstrations.

Maraga was teargassed along Kimathi Street while taking part in the protests. Earlier, he addressed supporters outside Nation Centre, urging peaceful and orderly demonstrations.

“We need to reset this country because the work of the police is to protect the people, not disrupt peaceful protesters,” said Maraga.

He insisted the crowd remained peaceful and denied claims of property destruction.

“I can testify that no one attempted to destroy property. We were peaceful,” said Maraga.

On his X page, Maraga wrote, “We strongly condemn the use of state violence against grieving families and peaceful protestors. The flagrant violation of the Constitution and human rights must stop.”

Maraga explained that one officer was told on Wednesday, June 25, to make a routine firearm register entry, only to be informed of training on the same day.

“The following day, I was informed that the rest of the officers had been asked to report to their stations without any further information,” said Maraga.

Maraga noted that retired chief justices are entitled to police security and drivers under Section 5A of the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, Cap. 197B (Revised 2022).

“I have enjoyed the services of the officers for almost five years now uninterrupted,” said Maraga.

Maraga linked the withdrawal to his public criticism of police leadership and his calls for the arrest of senior officers linked to the death of Albert Owang in custody.

“I wish to remind the leadership of the police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration that the security arrangements and other facilitations are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law,” said Maraga.

He demanded the immediate restoration of his security.

In Parliament on Thursday, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei launched a scathing attack on Maraga, accusing him of fuelling unrest while benefiting from taxpayer-funded retirement perks.

“Shame on you, Chief Justice Maraga. You’re currently on a pension paid by the government. They pay for your cars, they pay for your gardener, they pay for your cook, and then you go to the streets to demonstrate and mislead our children to destroy people’s properties,” said Shollei.

Shollei criticised Maraga’s participation in the protests, saying they turned chaotic and were not peaceful but acts of violence that destroyed lives and livelihoods.