Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the violence meted out on journalists who were attacked while covering the homecoming of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua along Mombasa Road.
In a statement on Thursday, Maraga reminded Kenyans that freedom of the press and the right to assemble are enshrined in the Constitution and must be protected at all times.
“I strongly condemn the use of violence against citizens and journalists during the return of the former Deputy President from his visit to the United States,” Maraga said.
The incident occurred when a section of Gachagua’s supporters clashed with rival groups opposed to him, sparking chaos that left several journalists injured in the fracas.
Maraga expressed concern that failure to act decisively against such violations could erode Kenya’s hard-won democratic gains.
“This is why I insist that we must urgently reset and restore our country to constitutionalism and the rule of law,” he added.
The former CJ, who has consistently spoken out on governance and rule of law, urged leaders and security agencies to safeguard constitutional rights and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
Gachagua returned to the country on Wednesday after a trip to the United States and was received by a large group of supporters at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before the procession spilled onto Mombasa Road.
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