Former Chief Justice David Maraga, the learned friend now turned politician and a presidential candidate, has called on advocates to embrace integrity and dignity in both their personal and public lives to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
He was speaking at a Kisii hotel during a passover after attending the burial ceremony of Senator Richard Onyonka’s mother at their Mosocho home.
The funeral ceremony of the late Teresiah Nyaboke Omoke was attended by several political leaders, led by former Education CS Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, James Orengo, and Parliamentary Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro. Simba Arati was conspicuously absent, allegedly fearing attending after a stern warning from Senator Onyonka due to their political differences.
Maraga told legal practitioners that the legal profession carries a unique responsibility to uphold justice, and that responsibility begins with the character of the individual advocate. He stressed that integrity is the foundation of public trust. Without it, he said, the courts, the law, and the profession itself lose credibility. An advocate who is honest in dealings with clients, colleagues, and the court not only protects their own name but also strengthens confidence in the justice system as a whole.
He noted that shortcuts and dishonesty may bring short-term gain, but they erode a reputation that takes years to build. For a profession anchored on truth and fairness, integrity cannot be optional if advocates want to be taken seriously by society and history.
Maraga also highlighted the role of discipline in shaping a successful career. He told advocates that consistency, punctuality, preparation, and self-control separate professionals who endure from those who fade away. Discipline ensures that lawyers meet deadlines, keep client confidences, and maintain composure even under pressure. In a profession where emotions and stakes run high, self-discipline keeps one grounded and focused on the pursuit of justice rather than personal ego.
He appealed to parents to encourage their children who qualify for university admission to pursue courses in law, medicine, and engineering, which are in high demand in the job market. He contrasted this with fields such as education, which he said are already saturated and have opened avenues for corruption. According to Maraga, guiding students toward market-driven courses would reduce unemployment and reduce incentives for unethical practices.
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He reminded the audience that legacy is not built on cases won alone, but on how one conducts oneself when no one is watching. Advocates who live with integrity and discipline become mentors and role models, showing younger lawyers that success and character can go hand in hand.
Maraga concluded by urging the legal fraternity in Kisii and beyond to be deliberate about the values they pass on. He said the next generation will not remember every ruling or argument, but they will remember whether the profession stood for honesty, fairness, and dignity.
By Enock Okong’o
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