Maraga, Omtatah, and Kigame Unite to Challenge Ruto’s New Laws in Landmark Legal Showdown
A fresh political and legal storm is brewing after former Chief Justice David Maraga, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and gospel singer Reuben Kigame jointly announced plans to challenge eight controversial laws recently signed by President William Ruto.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on October 21, 2025, the trio accused the government of overstepping constitutional limits through a raft of new legislation that, in their words, “erodes civil liberties and concentrates power in the executive.”
The contested laws — signed on October 15, the same day opposition leader Raila Odinga passed away — include major reforms on land ownership, digital regulation, cybersecurity, privatization, and economic governance. Among the most contentious is the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, which grants state agencies power to block websites without court approval and imposes harsh penalties for online speech deemed false or harmful.
Senator Omtatah, known for his relentless constitutional activism, vowed to move to court to seek judicial review, while Kigame emphasized that “true progress cannot come at the cost of freedom.” Former CJ Maraga echoed their sentiments, warning that unchecked state authority could “tilt Kenya toward authoritarianism.”
In response, President Ruto has defended the bills, saying they are designed to modernize governance, boost investor confidence, and address historical land and corruption injustices.
The looming legal battle sets the stage for a defining confrontation between Kenya’s civil society and the executive — one that could reshape the balance between reform and rights.
