Maraga responds to Suluhu’s threat to Kenyan Gen Z

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticised remarks attributed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, describing them as “abhorrent” and warning that they threaten democratic values across East Africa.

Concerns over regional democracy

In a strongly worded statement, Maraga said he was disturbed by reports that President Suluhu made the remarks during a joint appearance with Kenyan President William Ruto at Tanzania’s National Assembly.

“These remarks are abhorrent,” Maraga stated.

According to reports referenced by the former Chief Justice, the two leaders allegedly discussed coordinated action against Gen Z activists in Kenya and Tanzania, including the use of the phrase “piga mikwaju.”

Maraga warned that such rhetoric risks undermining the rule of law and shrinking civic space within the East African region.

“The axis of tyranny that Presidents Suluhu and Ruto are constructing threatens to return our region to autocracy,” he said.

Warning over shrinking civic space

Maraga reflected on his time in office, noting that he had previously worked closely with Tanzanian judicial counterparts to strengthen justice systems within the East African Community.

He cautioned that progress made in promoting democracy and judicial independence could be reversed if governments begin suppressing dissent and limiting freedoms.

Human rights concerns raised

The former Chief Justice also linked the issue to unresolved accountability concerns following Tanzania’s 29 October 2025 general elections.

Maraga referenced findings from a commission of inquiry reportedly presented to President Suluhu, which indicated that more than 518 people were killed during and after the elections, with most deaths said to have resulted from gunshot wounds.

“To date, not a single person has been held accountable,” he stated.

Call for regional vigilance

Maraga urged East Africans to remain vigilant and speak out against actions that could weaken democratic institutions and human rights protections.

He also referenced his appearance in Dar es Salaam on 19 May 2025, where he publicly expressed solidarity with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

“Our East African Jumuiya cannot advance while leaders suppress dissent and trample on the basic rights of our people,” Maraga said.