David Maraga officially retires as 15th Chief Justice of independent Kenya 

• Maraga has officially retired as the nation’s Chief Justice 
• He has been at the helm of the Judiciary since 2016 
• Maraga will be remembered for the nullification of the 2017 presidential election
• Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu will hold the position in acting capacity until the Judicial Service Commission appoints Maraga’s replacement

David Maraga has officially retired as 15th Chief Justice of independent Kenya. 

In a special court session held on Monday, Maraga officially retired from the position and handed over to Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

Mwilu is supposed to hold the office up until the Judicial Service Commission appoints a new Chief Justice. Mwilu, however,  is facing serious hurdles as a case was filed in court challenging her appointment as the acting CJ.

Maraga has been the country’s Chief Justice since 2016 after he replaced Willy Mutunga who took an early retirement.

Maraga has had a challenging tenure with the Executive since the nullification of the 2017 presidential election.

On numerous occasions, he has accused the Executive of under-funding the Judiciary and asked legislators to increase funding to the Judiciary to ease service delivery.

He also challenged the Executive for repeatedly disregarding court orders and willfully neglecting to settle dozens of decrees issued by various courts against the Government.

In his final address, Maraga asked leaders and the judiciary to maintain fidelity to the rule of law, and hold the best interest of the nation at heart.

Maraga said:

‘I am sure you have seen the drums or political wars being beaten already. My colleagues, if you waver and do the wrong thing and this country descends into chaos; God will never forgive you. Do the right thing!’

Today is my last day in office. I thank the Almighty God for fighting my battles and guiding me to this moment. Thank you Kenyans for the opportunity to serve. God bless Kenya. pic.twitter.com/M7EvxQorbz

— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) January 11, 2021