No Sacred Cows: Maraga Vows to Lock Up Friends and Relatives Over Corruption

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has declared that he would not hesitate to jail even his own family members and close friends if found guilty of corruption, underscoring his long standing hardline stance against graft.

Speaking during a public forum on governance and accountability, Maraga said the fight against corruption must be anchored on integrity, impartiality and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He emphasized that personal relationships should never stand in the way of justice.

If my own relatives or friends are involved in corruption and due process proves their guilt, they must face the full force of the law. Leadership demands courage and fairness,” Maraga stated, drawing applause from sections of the audience.

The former head of the Judiciary said Kenya’s struggle with corruption has persisted largely because of selective application of the law and political interference in key institutions.

According to him, the country must build systems that ensure investigations and prosecutions are conducted independently and professionally.

Maraga, who served as Chief Justice between 2016 and 2021, has often been associated with bold decisions that put him at odds with the Executive.

He reiterated that public officers must be prepared to uphold constitutional principles without fear or favor.

He argued that accountability must start at the top, noting that leaders who shield allies or relatives implicated in graft erode public trust in government.

The law does not recognize blood ties or friendships. It recognizes evidence and justice,” he said.

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Maraga also challenged investigative agencies and prosecutors to act decisively on corruption cases, saying delays and withdrawn charges send the wrong message to the public.

He called for reforms that would insulate anti-corruption bodies from political pressure.

Civil society groups have long argued that Kenya’s anti-graft war has suffered from lack of political goodwill and inconsistent prosecutions.

Maraga maintained that real change will only come when leaders demonstrate personal commitment to ethical governance.

“We must create a culture where stealing public resources is socially and legally unacceptable,” he said.

His comments come amid growing public frustration over rising cost of living and demands for greater transparency in the management of public funds.

By pledging to hold even those closest to him accountable, Maraga sought to send a strong message that the war on corruption must spare no one.

Whether his tough talk will translate into renewed momentum in the anti-corruption fight remains to be seen, but his statement has already stirred conversation across the political divide.