MIGORI, Kenya – “I have served before in government. I was head of one arm of government, and I believe there is no magic going ahead of one arm of government.”
These were the exact words of former Chief Justice David Maraga this week when he hinted at vying for the country’s top seat in the 2027 General Election.
According to Maraga, when it comes to elective positions, whoever seeks that elective position should understand that they can contribute.
“It is because of that confidence that one can decide whether one can serve or not,” said the former CJ.
Maraga publicly declared his readiness to lead the country, citing his exemplary track record at the helm of the Judiciary, where he served between October 2016 and January 2021.
What pundits think about Maraga’s candidacy
However, the former CJ noted that he is still in consultations and will announce his final decision on his political ambition at the appropriate time.
“That request has been made. I am discussing with various stakeholders, and I will make a final decision, and when the right time comes, we shall announce whether we are going through that or not,” said Maraga.
Already, political pundits have poured cold water on Maraga’s declaration, terming it far-fetched.
We paid a courtesy call on @dkmaraga. We updated him on the movement’s struggle for good governance, the rule of law and constitutionalism, issues he relates with very well. We inducted him to the movement, he sang with us, as we welcomed him to the struggle to liberate Kenya.
For instance, Benedict Kolonzo faulted Maraga’s stand on corruption, indicating that it could likely cost him the country’s top seat.
“Maraga is a good man, but he only talks about corruption and fidelity to the Law and nothing else. In all the platforms he’s spoken, we have heard nothing about Healthcare, Education, Local Manufacturing, Agriculture, Territorial Integrity, Foreign Policy, etc. David Maraga would make a good CS for interior, CJ, AG, but not president,” said Kolonzo.
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But speaking during a public lecture at Rongo University Migori County themed “Good Governance, Constitutionalism, and the Rule of Law,” Maraga cited the urgent need to end corruption, which he termed the largest obstacle to national development.
“There are major problems in this country, with the major one being corruption. Budgeted and institutional corruption that is not being attended to effectively, and as a result of this, the country lacks the requisite resources to deal with the emerging issues that are there,” added Maraga.
“But if I was to offer advice, I would ask him to listen to Kenyans …” Public lecture at Rongo University earlier today.
Maraga regretted that there is a lot of impunity, observing that many people were disobeying court orders, some disobeying the law without any action being taken against them.
“Those are the issues that need to be urgently attended to,” said the ex-CJ.
Taking a direct swipe at President William Ruto, Maraga condemned the ruling Kenya Kwanza government for diverting crucial resources meant for national development.
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He decried the misappropriation of funds, which he said had crippled key projects, including the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA), which has left both Kenyans and workers struggling under its weight.
“So, I can’t advise him (President Ruto), but given what is going on in the country, my view would be that it would be wise if he listened to the public to know what they are complaining about and what they are crying over. There are so many issues that are there. The SHA, SHIF is a major problem that is facing Kenyans which was not as serious as it is,” explained Maraga. “Sickness cannot wait. Some of the things that need to be addressed are not to be addressed urgently.”
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The former CJ, at the same time, rallied the youth movement, urging them to champion good governance and accountability.
He emphasised that their voices and choices hold the power to shape the future, calling upon them to demand accountability and leadership that truly serves the people.
“Stand fearless against a stubborn system that lures young minds into the service of political cartels,” said Maraga while reacting to a group of Gen Z that has endorsed his presidential candidature ahead of the 2027 polls.
Moving forward, Kenyans will be waiting to see whether the former CJ will throw his hat in the ring at a time that his kinsmen, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and Inject Party leader Morara Kebaso, are also salivating for the presidency.
