Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused President William Ruto of violating Kenya’s Constitution. He said the President weakened Kenya’s sovereignty by signing eight controversial bills into law last week.
Speaking in Nairobi, Maraga condemned the timing of the signing. He said it happened as the nation mourned Raila Odinga. “While Kenyans were grieving, the President was signing eight harsh laws. What a shame,” he said.
He listed the laws as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, Privatisation (Amendment) Act, Land (Amendment) Act, National Land Commission (Amendment) Act, Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, National Police Service (Amendment) Act, Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act, and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act.
Maraga accused the Executive and Parliament of betraying Kenyans.
He said the laws protect the interests of the elite, not the people. He warned that the Privatization Act and the Cybercrimes Amendment Act threaten national assets and freedoms.
He said the Privatization Act gives the Executive too much control. “It allows the Treasury Cabinet Secretary to decide which public entities to sell,” he said. If Parliament fails to act within 60 days, he added, the process proceeds automatically. That gives the Executive unchecked power for eight years.
Maraga faulted the law for lacking valuation and disclosure rules. He said it promotes secrecy and corruption. “The government can now sell national assets in secret. It gives the President power to dispose of strategic property at will,” he said.
He said the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act aims to silence critics. The law gives a government committee power to block websites and social media platforms. “The committee acts as investigator, prosecutor, and judge. It can shut down any online platform it claims promotes illegality,” he said.
Maraga accused Parliament of ignoring public participation. He said President Ruto had violated the Constitution and lost legitimacy. “We will not let our freedoms be buried with Raila Odinga,” he said.
He said several groups plan to challenge the laws in court. He also warned that the government is moving fast to sell state corporations before legal action begins
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