Maraga Opens Up on Threats After Nullifying Uhuru’s 2017 Election Win

Threats Took a Toll on His Family

Former Chief Justice David Maraga says he endured intense pressure and frightening moments after he nullified former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2017 election victory. During an interview on Oga Obinna TV, he explained that angry members of the public issued threats and hurled insults at him. As a result, his family experienced fear and emotional strain.

Maraga, who plans to run for president in 2027, insists he delivered a clear and transparent judgment. Even so, critics attacked his decision and questioned his courage.

Uhuru’s ‘Revisit’ Remarks Heightened the Tension

Maraga added that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks about “revisiting” the ruling increased anxiety within his family.
“The responsibility the president said he would revisit, and my family were scared when I got threats of plans to attack me. It was heavy, and I got prepared for the backlash. I was abused left, right and centre,” he said.

Maraga Says Evidence Guided the Nullification

He stressed that the Supreme Court assessed all evidence before making its decision. According to him, elections form a long process, not a one-day event.
“When you get the evidence, and as we said in that judgment, elections are not an event; they are a process. Four of us were not satisfied that the election met the threshold, and we nullified it,” he said.

Furthermore, Maraga noted that despite the threats and verbal attacks, no one physically harmed him or any of his family members.

Historic Ruling Sparked Continental Debate

In September 2017, Maraga led a six-judge bench that nullified Uhuru Kenyatta’s win. The ruling immediately stirred debate across Africa. Four judges agreed that irregularities and illegalities compromised the credibility of the election.

Consequently, the court directed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct a fresh vote within 60 days. The nullification became the first instance in Africa where a court overturned a presidential election.

Afterward, Uhuru, with William Ruto as his running mate, said he respected the judgment but would revisit the matter.