Former Chief Justice David Maraga has slammed what he described as cash handouts and patronage politics.
According to the former CJ, they reflect the depth of the country’s social and economic decline.
Speaking at Ufungamano House, Maraga said corruption and an extractive system of governance had robbed millions of Kenyans of their dignity.
According to him, the reported death of an elderly man in Kisii who, he said, was trampled while scrambling for Sh200 being distributed during a political event.
Additionally, concerns about corruption were consistently raised during visits to various counties, with residents describing its impact on their lives.
Maraga revealed that the issue emerged repeatedly during engagements with wananchi, who linked corruption to worsening economic conditions and growing hardship.
“Throughout the counties we visited, Wananchi were quite clear in their minds. In fact, from everywhere, there is not one station we went to where Wananchi did not raise issues. They said corruption has reduced them to beggars in their own country,” He said.
He added that corruption had stripped millions of Kenyans of their dignity and humanity, leaving many vulnerable and struggling to meet their daily needs.
Maraga said the concerns raised during the county visits reflected widespread frustration among citizens over their economic circumstances.
The former CJ further claimed that people were lining up to receive money and said the death of the elderly man illustrated the desperation facing some citizens and the broader effects of poverty.
