Maraga gives Ruto 7-day ultimatum to release police reforms taskforce report

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto demanding the release and publication of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms' complete and unedited report. The taskforce submitted its report on November 16, 2023, after completing the necessary reforms for the National Police Service.

As the taskforce's chairman, Maraga stated that the report contains recommendations for the president to take action in restoring the police service's independence and addressing systemic police brutality and impunity. Maraga cited constitutional provisions and argued that the police service should remain independent and not be directed by any individual, including the president.

He accused the government of enabling "organised political violence, goonism and partisan policing" in various parts of Kenya, citing incidents in Homa Bay, Keumbu, Ol Kalou, and church violence in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Witima. Maraga warned that Kenya risked reverting to a period of political violence and police abuses, repeating the mistakes of the past.

He stressed that the report, prepared using public funds, should be made accessible to Kenyans under Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees access to information held by the State. With the deadline swiftly approaching, Maraga reiterated the seven-day timeframe, placing the responsibility on Ruto and the government to fulfill their obligations.