NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s former Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga has given President William Ruto seven days to publish the report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, warning that he will release the document himself if the President fails to do so.
In a letter addressed to Ruto on Tuesday, August 18, Maraga criticised the President for failing to make public the report submitted to him in November 2023.
Maraga, who chaired the taskforce, said the report contained recommendations aimed at restoring the independence of the National Police Service (NPS), addressing police impunity and ending police brutality.
He accused the administration of failing to act on the recommendations nearly three years after receiving the report.
“Among the recommendations we made in that Report is one requiring you to take appropriate action to restore the NPS’s independence and end the systematic police brutality.”
He added:
“For nearly three years, you have failed to implement the said recommendations and restore the independence of the service.”
Maraga invokes constitutional right to information
Maraga demanded the immediate publication of the complete and unedited report, invoking Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens access to information held by the state.
He warned that failure to comply within seven days would prompt him to publish the original document in his possession.
“I demand that you immediately release and publish the complete and unedited Taskforce Report within seven days, failure to which I will myself release it,” Maraga wrote.
The former Chief Justice also cautioned against any attempt to alter or withhold portions of the report, saying such action would force him to make the original version public.
Maraga raises alarm over police independence
Maraga’s demand comes amid renewed scrutiny of the conduct and independence of the National Police Service following a series of politically charged incidents across the country.
He accused the government of interfering with the police service and alleged that organised violence, political goonism and partisan policing had occurred under Ruto’s administration.
Maraga specifically cited incidents in Homa Bay, Keumbu, Kisumu, Ol Kalou and Witima, linking them to what he described as the capture of the police service by political interests.
He warned that Kenya should not return to a system in which law enforcement agencies are used to advance political interests.
The allegations come as tensions rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders and government-aligned politicians increasingly trading accusations over politically motivated violence and the role of security agencies.
Homa Bay violence adds pressure
Maraga’s intervention follows deadly violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
At least two people, including a police officer, were killed during clashes involving groups of youths and supporters linked to the political activities.
Eight other police officers were injured, while police arrested 22 suspects in connection with the unrest.
The violence has triggered condemnation from political leaders across the divide, including Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have accused local political leaders of planning and executing the attacks.
Those allegations have been disputed.
Also Read: Maraga unveils ‘people-powered’ 2027 presidential bid, pledges financial transparency
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has instead accused Babu and Orengo of orchestrating the violence, alleging that individuals associated with their security and communications teams were involved in coordinating events.
The competing claims have not been conclusively established, with investigations into the violence continuing.
Babu Owino aide presents himself to DCI
The Homa Bay violence has also drawn the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into the political dispute.
Babu Owino’s aide, Oliver Jaoko, popularly known as Olivetti, presented himself at DCI headquarters after the National Police Service directed him to surrender over the violence linked to the rally.
However, DCI officers reportedly declined to receive him, saying they were unaware of the directive.
The development has added another layer to the dispute over how the security agencies are handling investigations into the Homa Bay violence.
For Maraga, the events reinforce the need to revisit the recommendations contained in the police reforms report.
His seven-day ultimatum now puts the Ruto administration under renewed pressure to disclose a document that has remained unpublished since it was submitted in 2023.
If the President does not release the report within the period specified by Maraga, the former Chief Justice has warned that he will publish the original himself.
