Nairobi

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has slapped down a circulating quote wrongly attributed to him. The statement allegedly criticised Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, igniting confusion amid an escalating political squall.

On August 13, addressing the public directly, Maraga urged Kenyans to disregard any report not issued through his official campaign website.
“Let’s fight misinformation. If it is not on davidmaraga.com, then it has not been said,” he insisted.
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The false quote appeared amid a broader controversy. Gachagua, currently touring the United States to garner support for his fledgling DCP ahead of the 2027 elections, has made explosive claims linking President William Ruto to shadowy dealings with Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have demanded that Gachagua, upon his return to Kenya, record a statement with authorities clarifying these explosive remarks. Murkomen has called the allegations irresponsible.
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But Gachagua is undeterred. He has dismissed the call for cooperation with local investigators and instead told Americans he would work with the U.S. Senate, which he says has launched its own inquiry.
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The fake quote attributed to Maraga thus adds another layer of distortion to a situation already tangled in political and security undertones.

Why It Matters

Maraga’s swift rebuttal underscores the corrosive impact of misinformation, particularly when Zambia’s political climate is already charged by sensational claims abroad. At the same time, officials like Murkomen and Kindiki point to the potential danger of politicising national security—a theme Gachagua has ignited with his remarks.

As Kenya heads toward critical elections, the tussle between fact and fiction may prove as consequential as any campaign speech.