On Monday, December 30, former Chief Justice David Maraga shared a New Year’s message urging Kenyans to reflect on the country’s recent rise in abductions and killings. In his statement, he called for the immediate release of those who had been unlawfully taken, while condemning the violence and suffering experienced by many families this year.
Maraga’s message emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of life and the dignity of every citizen, urging the public to adhere to the values enshrined in the Constitution. He condemned the ongoing incidents of killing, torture, and abductions, stating that the nation’s politics must not remain indifferent to the pain and injustice faced by its people.
A recent report highlighted that since June 2024, at least 82 people have been abducted, with 29 still unaccounted for. Despite President Ruto’s pledge to end such abductions, Maraga stressed the need for stronger commitment to the Constitution, which lays out clear guidelines for governance, ethics, and the rule of law. He reminded Kenyans that true adherence to these laws could only be achieved if fundamental human values and principles were prioritized.
As the country steps into the new year, Maraga urged citizens to reflect on the promises made when the Constitution was adopted, reminding them of the vision set out 14 years ago for a just and ethical nation. “As we usher in the New Year, I call upon all of us to reflect on the promise that we made to ourselves 14 years ago. We defined a clear path for our future. We set down the values of governance, ethics, and standards of excellence as our guiding light,”
