Africa / The Inaugural CLA Africa Hub Public Lecture with Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga of Kenya

Chief Justice Emeritus, David Maraga gives the inaugural Commonwealth Lawyers Association Africa Hub public lecture, discussing constitutionalism and democracy in Africa from the prism of presidential election disputes.

You can watch the full lecture here.

Below is Linda Kasonde’s report on the lecture:

The Africa Hub were honoured to welcome Chief Justice Emeritus, David Maraga from Kenya as the inaugural speaker at the Public Lecture series launched by the Hub in March.

The recently retired former Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, spoke on “Africa’s emerging constitutionalism and democracy from the prism of presidential election petitions and its relevance to growth and development”

With his Honour’s integrity a keystone for many Kenyans, the Chief Justice’s tenure was marked by courageous leadership and distinguished service in the defence and promotion of the rule of law. Under his leadership, the Supreme Court famously nullified a presidential election in August 2017, the first African Court to do so.

His Honour’s lecture highlighted the importance of the role of the judiciary as an important arm of the state, with a pivotal role in protecting the rule of law. Chief Justice Maraga also gave his perspective on the courts’ responsibility to reflect law that is the will of the people. With attacks on the judiciary eroding the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, the lecture was an insightful and fearless treatise on the role of the judiciary.

The Africa Hub and the Council of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association extends its thanks to the Chief Justice, for setting the bar high on this inaugural lecture, and we send our very best wishes to him for a happy and healthy retirement.