This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
On December 12, 2019, Kenya celebrated Jamhuri Day, marking the country's 58th year of independence. However, the event was marred by the absence of Chief Justice David Maraga, who made good on his threat to boycott State functions.
Maraga's decision to skip the celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi was a direct result of the mistreatment and disrespect he claimed to have received from the Executive arm of government. In a press briefing on November 4, 2019, Maraga had vowed to stay away from national events unless he was treated with dignity due to his office.
During the televised address, Maraga stated, “Unless I am treated with dignity due to my office, I will choose which of State functions to attend.” He cited this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa, where he was left to walk to the main dais through a sidewalk and failure by the Master of Ceremony to recognize his arrival and presence.
At Nyayo Stadium on Jamhuri Day, the front-row seat reserved for Maraga remained conspicuously vacant throughout the event. Senior judicial officers, including Supreme Court judges and the Registrar of Judiciary, also skipped the event presided over by President Kenyatta.
