Ruto Slams Maraga Over Failed State Claims and Leadership Bid

• Jul 23, 2025

President William Ruto has sharply criticised former Chief Justice David Maraga for calling Kenya a failed state, questioning his credibility and motives.

Speaking at the Talanta Bell-Ringing ceremony held at the Nairobi Securities Exchange on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Ruto responded strongly to Maraga’s recent remarks, which had described Kenya as being on the verge of collapse.

The president expressed disbelief that someone who had served the country for over 40 years could now turn around and dismiss it as a failure. He accused Maraga of hypocrisy, asking how he could seek leadership of a country he seemingly no longer believes in.

“I listened to one gentleman the other day; after working for 40 or 50 years, he wants to be president. I listened to him saying that Kenya is a failed state, and I asked myself, for 40 years, you have been working in a failed state? So you want to be president of a failed state?” Ruto asked during his speech.

He went on to question Maraga’s sincerity, saying it was dishonest for anyone to seek to lead a nation they openly criticise. According to Ruto, such statements reflect a lack of respect for the institutions Maraga once served, particularly the judiciary.

Maraga, who served as Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, made his remarks during an interview with K24 TV on July 21. He warned that Kenya is heading toward becoming a failed state, citing deep political unrest, economic struggles, and rising human rights violations.

He specifically criticised the government’s harsh response to recent protests, noting cases of abductions, killings, and the charging of demonstrators with serious crimes.

“Look at what is happening in the country—we are sliding into a failed state. You cannot suppress people’s right to demonstrate and express themselves,” Maraga said, warning that such tactics were pushing Kenya into dangerous territory.

He argued that using criminal charges to silence dissent is a sign of growing authoritarianism and a threat to democratic values.

Ruto’s response highlights the widening rift between the current administration and former state officials who are openly critical of its leadership style.