Former Chief Justice David Maraga has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of mismanaging the country and losing legitimacy to lead.

Speaking during an interview on TV47’s “Ukumbi Wa Siasa” on November 4, 2024, the United Green Movement (UGM) party leader said the president’s leadership has failed to protect citizens and uphold the Constitution.

Maraga cited the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, during which several demonstrators were killed and others injured after police opened fire on crowds.

“If you can issue shooting orders against young people going to the streets to protest the Finance Bill, then you have lost legitimacy as the President,” he said.

The retired Chief Justice, who has declared interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, said the Ruto administration has “failed in almost every sector,” particularly the economy and unemployment.

“Kenya’s economy is pathetic. The challenge of unemployment is to revive the economy. We have what it takes to create jobs for our young people,” Maraga added.

If elected, Maraga pledged to prioritize the rule of law and ensure constitutionalism forms the backbone of governance.

“The president is not above the law. I will make sure every Kenyan obeys the law, starting with the president, and those working under me will be required to comply,” he said.

On education, Maraga criticized the government for lacking solutions to the ongoing university staff strike, saying it is hurting students and the academic calendar.

“We are losing semesters because of strikes. I will establish an education fund to ensure teachers and learners remain in class,” he stated.

Maraga further said his political movement will only accommodate leaders of integrity, emphasizing that Kenyans are yearning for real, not cosmetic, change.

“Those who wish to work with me must be people of integrity. Kenyans want fundamental change, not political theatrics,” he said.