Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to publicly release the final report of the Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms, which Maraga chaired.
In an open letter, Maraga emphasized that the report was produced using public funds and, under Article 35 of the Constitution, the public has the right to access its contents. The demand comes amid ongoing concerns over organised political violence, partisan policing, and related unrest in regions including Homa Bay, Keumbu, Ol Kalou, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Witima.
Maraga highlighted that the National Police Service is mandated by Articles 232, 239, 244, 245 of the Constitution and sections of the National Police Service Act to operate independently and without interference from any individual, including the President. However, he noted with concern the persistence of politically motivated violence and police misconduct under the current administration.
The Taskforce submitted its comprehensive report to President Ruto on November 16, 2023, recommending measures to restore police independence and end systemic brutality and impunity within the service. Maraga criticized the government for failing to implement these recommendations over nearly three years.
Key points from Maraga's letter include:
- The report was financed by public resources and should be accessible to citizens.
- There is ongoing organised political violence linked to partisan policing.
- The National Police Service must be restored to independence as mandated by law.
- The President has delayed action on the report's recommendations, worsening the situation.
- If the report is not released within seven days, Maraga pledges to make it public himself.
Maraga warned that the current trajectory of state capture of the police service threatens Kenya's stability and recalled the heavy costs of similar past experiences. His call underscores the urgent need for reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
