David Maraga Issues Ultimatum to William Ruto Over Police Reforms Report

• Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto regarding the National Taskforce on Police Reforms report.
• The taskforce's final report was presented to Ruto in November 2023, but its recommendations have yet to be implemented.
• Maraga is concerned about the lack of progress in restoring the independence of the National Police Service and addressing police brutality and impunity.
• The publication of the full taskforce report could reveal further details about police reforms and the government's handling of recommendations.

In the circumstances, and in view of the fact that the report was secured at public expense, and in line with Article 35 of the Constitution, I demand that you immediately release and publish the complete and unedited Taskforce Report within Seven (7) days, failing which I will myself release it.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto regarding the National Taskforce on Police Reforms report. The taskforce, established by Ruto in December 2022 with Maraga as chairperson, was tasked with reviewing reforms affecting members of the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service. The final report was presented to Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on November 16, 2023, but its recommendations have yet to be implemented. Specifically, Maraga is concerned about the lack of progress in restoring the independence of the National Police Service and addressing police brutality and impunity.

The taskforce's report was prepared at public expense and submitted to Ruto on November 16, 2023. Article 35 of the Constitution requires that reports secured at public expense be released and published. Maraga has given Ruto seven days to release the complete and unedited report, warning that he will publish it himself if the President fails to do so. The taskforce's mandate was extended by Ruto in March 2023 to include the National Youth Service, and its recommendations were accepted in October 2023. However, some of these recommendations have yet to be implemented.

The publication of the full taskforce report could reveal further details about police reforms and the government's handling of recommendations. This may have implications for clients involved in or affected by these developments, particularly those related to police brutality and impunity. The former Chief Justice has accused the State of allowing organized political violence, goonism, and partisan policing in different parts of the country, citing specific examples. Maraga's ultimatum highlights the ongoing challenges facing the National Police Service and the need for urgent reforms.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential publication of the full, unedited Taskforce Report, which could reveal further details about police reforms and the government's handling of recommendations. This may have implications for clients involved in or affected by these developments.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]