In a statement released on Monday, June 29, 2026, Maraga described Lichuma's condition as deeply disturbing, saying the activist appeared traumatised and was unable to communicate following the ordeal.
The former Chief Justice said the injuries and emotional distress displayed by Lichuma raised serious concerns about what the activist may have endured during the period he was missing.
"I visited Davis Lichuma at Nairobi Women's Hospital today. He's not able to talk. You don't need to be told what he's gone through. His frequent tremors when asleep, most likely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tells it all. Davis has been tortured," Maraga said.
He termed the alleged torture unacceptable and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted, insisting that Kenya must uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
"This is not acceptable and those behind it must be held accountable. We cannot be a nation that tortures, maims and kills its youth just because they seek good governance," he added.
Maraga's remarks came a day after human rights activists confirmed that Lichuma had been found alive after several days of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts.
According to rights groups, the Mathare-based activist was initially discovered at Kenyatta National Hospital in critical condition before being transferred to Nairobi Women's Hospital for specialised medical care.
Activists said he was unable to speak when he was found and alleged that he bore visible signs of physical assault, prompting renewed demands for an independent investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance.
Lichuma was reported missing after participating in the June 25 demonstrations organised to commemorate the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Human rights organisations claimed he was among a group of activists arrested near Parliament Buildings during the demonstrations before his whereabouts became unknown.
His disappearance triggered concern among relatives, friends and civil society organisations, who launched a public campaign demanding that security agencies account for him.
The National Police Service later confirmed that a missing person's report had been filed at Nairobi's Central Police Station and stated that investigations into the disappearance had commenced.
Before Lichuma was found, Maraga had joined families of missing protesters and civil society groups in calling on authorities to either produce those reported missing or explain where they were being held.
Families of the missing had also threatened nationwide demonstrations if the government failed to account for their loved ones.
Lichuma's case emerged alongside reports involving several other protesters who allegedly disappeared after the June 25 demonstrations.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Amnesty International Kenya said six protesters who were reportedly arrested during the demonstrations were later found abandoned in different parts of Nairobi.
The organisations identified them as Collins Ochieng, Muteti Mulinge, Michael Ngigi, Elisha Alam, Fredrick Ojiro and Christine Walubengo.
According to the rights groups, the six individuals alleged they had been assaulted and tortured while in custody before being dumped at different locations and left to seek help on their own.
Human rights organisations have called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to conduct independent investigations into the allegations and ensure anyone found culpable is held accountable.
The developments have reignited national debate over allegations of enforced disappearances and police brutality, particularly during periods of political demonstrations.
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