Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has come under political fire after voicing support for ongoing protests against President William Ruto’s administration, with lawmakers now pushing to revoke his lucrative retirement perks.
📷 Featured Image
Caption: President William Ruto with retired CJ David Maraga during the National Taskforce on Police Reforms presentation. (PHOTO/PCS)
Maraga’s Distinguished Career in the Judiciary
Maraga officially retired on January 12, 2021 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, ending an illustrious 18-year career in Kenya’s Judiciary. Appointed as a High Court Judge by President Mwai Kibaki in 2003, he was later elevated to Chief Justice in 2016 by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He made history in 2017 when the Supreme Court, under his leadership, nullified the re-election of President Kenyatta—marking the first such judicial ruling in Africa.
Retirement Benefits Under Kenyan Law
Maraga’s retirement perks are governed by the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015 and the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025 (Cap. 197B).
Section 7 of the Act entitled him to a lump sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary for every term served. With his final capped salary at Ksh1,327,888, his total payout was Ksh15,934,656.
Monthly Pension and Medical Coverage
Under Section 8(1)(a), he receives a monthly pension equal to 80% of his last salary. Medical benefits outlined in Section 8(1)(e) include:
- Ksh10 million for overseas treatment
- Ksh300,000 annually for inpatient and outpatient services
- Ksh75,000 each for dental and optical cover
These benefits extend to his spouse as well.
Transport and Fuel Allowances
Maraga was entitled to three government-provided vehicles:
- Two saloon cars (not exceeding 2,000cc)
- One four-wheel drive (not exceeding 3,000cc)
All vehicles are replaced every four years. Additionally, he receives a fuel allowance equivalent to 15% of a sitting Chief Justice’s salary.
Security, Staff, and Diplomatic Privileges
As per Section 8(1)(c), Maraga and his spouse retain diplomatic passports and access to VIP lounges at all Kenyan airports.
He is also provided with:
- Two drivers
- One personal assistant
- A secretary
- Housekeeper, gardener, and cleaner
- Two armed bodyguards (upon Interior Ministry request)
A fully furnished office is also part of the entitlement, along with communication equipment and secretarial support.
Budget Oversight and Optional Duties
Section 9 of the Cap. 197B requires Maraga to submit annual expenditure estimates to the National Treasury. Section 8(2) further allows him to be assigned official duties, provided he agrees and is paid a reasonable allowance.
Political Tensions Over His Retirement Perks
Some MPs have criticized Maraga’s involvement in anti-government sentiments, arguing that his actions undermine the very system that continues to support his lavish lifestyle. Proposals to review or revoke benefits for “politically active retirees” have gained momentum.
Click here for the latest updates on Kenya politics.
Related Reads:
- What Former President Uhuru Kenyatta Gets in Retirement
- How Ruto Engaged Maraga on Police Reform Taskforce
- Salaries and Perks of Kenya’s Top State Officers Explained
