David Maraga
“A man of integrity for a time that demands character.”
“The greatness of any nation lies in its fidelity to the constitution and adherence to the rule of law and above all respect to God.” – Chief Justice Maraga, Supreme Court ruling, 2017
David Kenani Maraga was born 12 January 1951 in Nyamira County, Kenya. He was the 14th Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya from October 2016 until his retirement in January 2021.
He achieved his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi; holds a post-graduate diploma awarded by the Kenya School of Law; and obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Nairobi.
David Maraga is celebrated for a trailblazing judicial career marked by landmark achievements in integrity, reform, and constitutionalism. He is famously known for annulling the 2017 presidential election – the first such ruling in Africa – demonstrating unmatched judicial courage and independence. He reinforced constitutional accountability by advising the President to dissolve Parliament over its failure to meet the gender rule, setting a powerful precedent for legal fidelity.
Under his leadership, the judiciary introduced major reforms, including digital case e-filing, the Judiciary Committee on Elections, and clearing significant case backlogs. He personally authored over 1,250 Court of Appeal judgments. He strengthened access to justice through mobile courts in remote areas and pushed for internal anti-corruption systems to increase transparency and accountability.
Post-retirement, Maraga has remained active in civic life, mentoring youth, promoting ethical leadership, and speaking on democracy and governance. His unwavering commitment to the rule of law, personal integrity, and empathetic leadership has cemented his legacy as one of Kenya’s most principled and effective judicial reformers.
A leader embraced by all Kenyan generations
“Maraga is the only leader who has ever stood for truth … We trust him because he has no blood on his hands.” - Linda Atieno, 22 year‑old student at Rongo University, 2025
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