Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called upon legal professionals and national leaders to embrace integrity and honesty, highlighting that corruption and inadequate leadership are impeding Kenya’s development.
During a prayer breakfast event organized by legal practitioners from South West Nyanza, Maraga stressed the vital role that lawyers play in protecting justice and maintaining public confidence.
“We gathered for our customary prayer breakfast, a tradition among our legal community. I focused on leadership with integrity and how lawyers can demonstrate honesty in their professional conduct,” stated Maraga.
He reminded legal practitioners of the profession’s requirement for accountability, particularly in managing clients’ financial resources.
“Misappropriation of client funds leads to imprisonment. Integrity is fundamental to the legal profession,” he emphasized.
The former Chief Justice attributed numerous national difficulties to corruption and what he termed an exploitative leadership system that neglects the needs of ordinary citizens.
“Our current situation stems from inadequate leadership and an extractive system adopted by those in power. Citizens are enduring hardships due to corrupt practices,” he explained.
Maraga also voiced apprehensions regarding Kenya’s foreign policy, specifically recent agreements involving France.
He questioned reports indicating that French soldiers stationed in Kenya might be exempt from local laws.
According to Maraga, who is pursuing presidential candidacy in the upcoming General Elections, such agreements could isolate Kenya within the African community and diminish Pan-African principles.
The prayer breakfast united legal representatives from Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kilgoris counties.
LSK South West Branch Chairperson Winnie Mireri indicated that the event aimed to bring lawyers together through prayer and spiritual contemplation.
“We united as one branch to share a meal and reflect on God’s word. Typically, we conduct meetings in smaller chapters, but this time we chose to assemble as the complete South West branch,” she mentioned.
Mireri further suggested that lawyers should consistently seek divine guidance while serving the community.
“We believe that in all our endeavors, God must come first. Without divine assistance, we cannot accomplish anything meaningful,” she added.
Senior Pastor at CITAM Kisii, Rev. Joel Toe, praised the lawyers for arranging the gathering and reaffirmed the church’s dedication to community involvement.
“One of our fundamental principles at CITAM is community engagement. We value the contributions of lawyers from this region and we pray for continued blessings,” expressed Rev. Toe.
He conveyed optimism about the region continuing to advocate for righteousness and unity.
Attorney Albert Nyamurangi portrayed the gathering as a significant opportunity for spiritual revitalization and solidarity among regional legal professionals.
“With over two decades of legal practice, we chose to pause and seek God collectively because as lawyers, we share a common purpose and require spiritual renewal,” he stated.
Nyamurangi also acknowledged Maraga for participating in the event and leading conversations about integrity and leadership.