NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been making waves with his increasing outspokenness on corruption and governance, even hinting at a potential 2027 presidential run.
But not everyone is buying into his vision.
Kasmuel Mcoure, a rising figure in the ODM Youth League, didn’t hold back during an interview on Citizen TV, dismissing Maraga as unfit to lead the country.
Mcoure, who gained prominence during the Gen Z-led 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, accused the former CJ of failing to use his influence to drive real systemic change.
“I cannot trust this man…I cannot trust him with the Presidency” Kasmuel Mcoure, ODM Youth League, blasts former Chief Justice David Maraga for allegedly paying lip service #CitizenDigital @TrevorOmbija
“Lip Service Won’t Fix Kenya”
Mcoure’s biggest criticism? That Maraga, despite holding the highest judicial office, didn’t go far enough in addressing Kenya’s deep-rooted issues.
“I cannot trust this man…I cannot trust him with the presidency,” Mcoure declared, accusing Maraga of merely talking about corruption without taking concrete steps to fight it.
He pointed to Maraga’s 2017 Supreme Court decision, which annulled a presidential election, only for the same court to later uphold what he called a “sham election.”
Beyond that, Mcoure took issue with Maraga’s advisory to dissolve Parliament in 2020 for failing to implement the two-thirds gender rule.
While the advisory was legally sound, Mcoure argues that Maraga should have done more to push for meaningful legislative change.
“The courts have power to cause change. It is not enough to pay lip service,” Mcoure said, questioning whether Maraga truly understands the depth of Kenya’s governance crisis.
Maraga’s Growing Political Presence
Maraga, known for his firm stance on judicial independence, recently made headlines at the People Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park, where he condemned corruption as Kenya’s greatest challenge.
He has since engaged youth activists, including hosting Gen Z leaders at his residence, fueling speculation about his political ambitions.
During the event, Maraga stated that if given the opportunity to lead, he would ensure all citizens obey the law, arguing that corruption thrives because of impunity.
He also pushed back against efforts to extend presidential term limits, calling them a symptom of selfish leadership.
But critics like Mcoure remain skeptical. ODM, a party that advocates for social democracy, views Maraga’s judicial track record as falling short of the transformative change it envisions.
Attack on Gachagua
While Mcoure’s criticism of Maraga dominated the interview, he also fired shots at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks suggesting that the GEMA community should lead Kenya for the next 100 years.
Mcoure dismissed the rhetoric as outdated and dangerous for national unity.
With the 2027 elections still on the horizon, Maraga’s political future remains uncertain.
But if voices like Mcoure’s are anything to go by, the road to State House will be anything but smooth.
