Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised his voice in condemnation of the rising wave of abductions and killings of young Kenyans, urging the nation to unite and take swift, decisive action to curb this growing crisis.

In a poignant and powerful statement issued on Friday, January 31, 2025, Maraga extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of Martin Mwau and Justus Musyimi, two victims of the recent Mlolongo abductions. 

Their tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the country, as the relentless violence continues to target the nation’s youth.

Maraga’s call for action comes at a time when the bodies of Mwau and Musyimi were positively identified at the Nairobi Funeral Home (formerly City Mortuary). Their remains, discovered after their abduction on December 17, 2024, are a chilling reminder of the growing insecurity plaguing the country.

In an unsettling revelation, the body of Justus Mutumwa, also a victim of the Mlolongo abductions, was discovered on December 18, 2024, in a sewer in Ruai. His identity was confirmed on January 30, 2025, through a fingerprint analysis. 

Meanwhile, the identification of Martin Mwau’s remains also occurred on the same day at the mortuary, bringing grim closure to the agonizing uncertainty that had gripped their families for over a month.

However, the pain is far from over, as two more individuals Steve Mbisi and Karani Muema remain unaccounted for. 

Their families have been left in a state of anxious anticipation, clinging to the faint hope that they will not join the growing list of victims. Authorities have indicated that bodies matching their descriptions are at the mortuary, but the condition of the remains is reportedly deteriorating.

Maraga’s statement has once again thrown a spotlight on the alarming rise in abductions and killings, an issue that has sparked widespread public outrage and concern. 

He described these acts as a “betrayal of the nation’s future” and an assault on the very values enshrined in the Constitution.

“These are not just isolated incidents. They are a direct attack on the future of our country. These young men—whose potential was cut short—represent the hopes and dreams of an entire generation,” Maraga said. “This is not only a violation of human rights; it is an assault on our moral fabric. These crimes tear at the very core of our national identity.”

The former Chief Justice’s condemnation reflects a growing frustration with the inability of authorities to stem the tide of violence sweeping the country. With young people increasingly being targeted, Maraga emphasized that the safety of the nation’s youth should be paramount.

He called on all sectors of society especially the government, law enforcement, and citizens to unite in their efforts to address this crisis. 

According to Maraga, the fight against abductions and killings is not just the responsibility of the state but requires the active participation of every Kenyan.

“The government must act swiftly, the police must intensify their efforts to ensure justice is served, and every single Kenyan must play a part in safeguarding our communities,” he urged.

 “We can no longer stand idly by as these horrific acts continue to unfold. It is time for us all to stand together, as one, and say enough is enough.”

Maraga warned that the abductions and killings of young people were a direct challenge to the rule of law and to the core principles of justice that Kenya is founded upon. He stressed that the country could not allow such acts of violence to become normalized.

“These acts are a stain on our conscience as a nation,” he declared. “We cannot allow this to continue. The rule of law must prevail, and those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable. The future of our nation depends on it.”

The former Chief Justice’s remarks come at a time when many Kenyans are questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in tackling organized crime, abductions, and other forms of violence.

 Public outcry has been growing, with calls for the government to take stronger measures to protect citizens, especially the vulnerable youth.

As the search for the missing individuals continues and the bodies of victims are identified, the country is left grappling with the painful reality that the fight for justice may be a long and arduous one.

 The national mood is one of sorrow, anger, and fear, with many wondering if this crisis will escalate further before meaningful action is taken.

Maraga’s call for national unity in the face of this tragedy is an urgent reminder that the safety and well-being of young Kenyans must be prioritized. With the lives of so many in the balance, it is clear that only collective action can end the cycle of violence and bring peace to the nation.

“These senseless killings must stop,” Maraga concluded. 

“We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure that no more lives are lost in this way. The time to act is now.”