By Monica Nashon
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has challenged lawyers and leaders across the country to uphold integrity and honesty, warning that corruption and poor leadership continue to undermine Kenya’s progress.
Maraga spoke during a prayer breakfast organised by advocates from the South West Nyanza region, where he emphasized the critical role legal practitioners play in safeguarding justice and public trust.
“We are here for a prayer breakfast, which is a regular event among lawyers. My topic was leadership with integrity and how legal practitioners can practise honesty in their work,” said Maraga.
He reminded advocates that the legal profession demands accountability, especially when handling clients’ finances.
“If you touch clients’ money unlawfully, you go to jail. Integrity is very important in the legal profession,” he said.
The former Chief Justice blamed many of the country’s struggles on corruption and what he described as an extractive leadership system that fails to serve ordinary citizens.
“We are where we are because of poor leadership and an extractive system embraced by leaders. Citizens are suffering because of corruption,” he said.
Maraga also raised concerns over Kenya’s foreign policy, particularly recent agreements involving France.
He questioned reports suggesting that French soldiers operating in Kenya could enjoy immunity from local laws.
According to Maraga who is eyeing the presidency in the next General Elections, such arrangements risk placing Kenya in a difficult position among African nations and could weaken the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The prayer breakfast brought together advocates from Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay and Kilgoris counties.
LSK South West Branch Chairperson Winnie Mireri said the gathering was aimed at uniting lawyers through prayer and spiritual reflection.
“We came together as one branch to break bread and share the word of God. Usually, we hold the meetings in chapters, but this time we decided to unite as the entire South West branch,” she said.
Mireri added that advocates should always seek God’s guidance while serving society.
“We believe that whatever we do, we must put God first. Without God, there is nothing we can achieve,” she added.
Senior Pastor at CITAM Kisii, Rev. Joel Toe, commended the lawyers for organising the event and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to community engagement.
“One of our core values at CITAM is community engagement. We appreciate the lawyers from this region and we pray that the region will continue to be blessed,” said Rev. Toe.
He expressed hope that the region would continue promoting righteousness and unity.
Lawyer Albert Nyamurangi described the gathering as an important moment of spiritual renewal and unity for advocates in the region.
“I have practised law for more than 20 years. We decided to take time and seek God together because we have a common destiny as lawyers and we all need spiritual refreshment,” he said.
Nyamurangi also thanked Maraga for joining the lawyers and leading discussions on integrity and leadership.