Retired Chief Justice David Maraga is under pressure, with some lawmakers calling for the stripping of his retirement perks for supporting protests against President William Ruto’s administration.
Maraga, who retired on January 12, 2021, after reaching the age of 70, served Judiciary for 18 years.
He was appointed High Court Judge in 2003 by then-President Mwai Kibaki and later became Chief Justice in 2016 under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Maraga, a staunch Adventist, made history when he led Supreme Court to nullify then President Kenyatta’s win in 2027.
Having completed his term, he qualified for full benefits provided under the Deputy President and Designated State Officers Act, 2015, as outlined in Section 5A of the Cap. 197B.
Unpacking David Maraga retirement benefits
He received a retirement benefit package exceeding Ksh15 million, granted under the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025 (Cap. 197B) and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015.
According to Section 7 of the Retirement Benefits Act, 2015, Maraga was entitled to a lumpsum payment equal to one year’s salary for every term served.
Based on the capped salary of Ksh1,327,888 as per the 2017 circular by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission – SRC, his lumpsum amounted to Ksh15,934,656.
Medical and Transport Provisions
In addition, Section 8(1)(a) of the Act provided for a monthly pension equal to 80 per cent of his last salary.
The benefits package further included medical coverage under Section 8(1)(e) of the same Act: Ksh10 million for overseas treatment, Ksh300,000 annually for inpatient and outpatient care, and Ksh75,000 each for dental and optical services.
These benefits applied to both Maraga and his spouse.
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Transport entitlements under Section 8(1)(b) of the Act included two saloon vehicles not exceeding 2,000cc and one four-wheel drive vehicle not exceeding 3,000cc, all to be replaced every four years.
He also received a fuel allowance equivalent to 15 per cent of the current salary of a sitting Chief Justice.
Staff, Security and Diplomatic Privileges
Section 8(1)(c) provided for access to VIP lounges at all Kenyan airports and the continued use of a diplomatic passport, extended to his spouse as well.
Support staff benefits, as stated in the First Schedule of the Cap. 197B, included two drivers, one personal assistant, a secretary, a housekeeper, a gardener, and a cleaner.
Upon request to the Interior Ministry, he was also eligible for two armed bodyguards. A fully furnished and equipped office was allocated to facilitate any official duties or personal engagements.
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In line with Section 9 of the Cap. 197B, Maraga was required to submit annual budget estimates for his entitlements to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
Additionally, Section 8(2) allowed the government to assign him official duties, subject to agreement and payment of a reasonable allowance.
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