Maraga slams zoning, decries use of youth in political violence

Former Chief Justice and presidential candidate David Maraga has sounded the alarm over what he terms as dangerous political trends, warning that zoning and the exploitation of young people threaten the very fabric of Kenya’s democracy.

Speaking on Thursday during his tour of Siaya County, Maraga cautioned politicians against pushing zoning arrangements, arguing that the practice undermines democratic principles by limiting voter choice.

The United Green Movement (UGM) party leader warned that such moves risk entrenching ethnic divisions and locking out leaders who may be better suited on merit rather than geography or political convenience.

“Parties should be able to operate throughout the country. When you go zoning, it encourages tribalism and ethnic balkanization and that is not good for our country. What we should have is parties operating everywhere in the country. Parties that are able to field candidates all over, so that what we have is competing ideas. Competing ideologies rather than people from one area being balkanized together,” he said.

At the same time, Maraga took aim at what he described as the growing misuse of young people in politics.

He condemned senior government officials accused of deploying youths as goons during political rallies, calling for accountability and urging leaders to protect, rather than exploit, the country’s young population.

“The sad thing is that those who are using force...those that are hiring goons are government agencies. That is the worst thing. And I have said this before, a government that employs goons, will soon lose control of the country,” said the former CJ.

Against this backdrop, the former Chief Justice also expressed concern over the low turnout of young people in the ongoing voter registration exercise, with only four days remaining before the deadline.

He noted that the poor response could significantly weaken the youth’s influence in shaping the country’s leadership through the ballot.

Maraga urged young Kenyans to take advantage of the remaining window to register, emphasizing that their participation is critical to strengthening democracy.

He reiterated the need for peaceful, issue-based politics, calling on leaders to uphold integrity and ensure that the democratic space remains open, fair, and inclusive for all.