NAIROBI, Kenya — David Maraga isn’t holding back anymore. The former Chief Justice, once the calm, robed voice of Kenya’s highest court, now wants to lead the nation from State House — and he’s doing it with fire in his tone and a plan to overhaul the country’s political system.
In a sit-down with Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Maraga confirmed what had long been speculated: he’s entering the 2027 presidential race. And he’s not going it alone.
“I will run on a political party or a coalition of parties,” he revealed, emphasizing that a coalition is the more likely path. “Several parties have already approached me offering their platforms or support.”
He declined to name names — at least for now — but assured Kenyans that the choice of party or coalition would reflect shared values. “The Constitution and the ideology of the coalition must align with my vision. This is not about power for power’s sake,” he said.
Maraga’s transition from the judiciary to Kenyan politics may seem like a leap, but he says it’s been a long time coming — pushed along by public pressure, quiet reflection, and a growing frustration with the current state of governance.
“Initially, I said no. I’ve never been a politician. But after speaking to many Kenyans, family, and friends — and after prayer — I knew it was time to act,” he said.
And he’s not waiting to build political capital by playing safe. Maraga directly took aim at President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of abandoning the public and driving the country into a governance crisis.
“Ruto’s government has failed Kenyans,” Maraga declared. “I’ve offered myself to lead a team that will bring fundamental transformation. If we don’t stop the looting of public resources now, we are going to lose this country.”
Maraga’s criticisms go beyond politics. He painted a grim picture of a nation gripped by inequality, corruption, and collapsing public services. “You can’t have people dying of treatable diseases or children missing school because there’s no funding. That’s how you lose a generation.”
But it’s not all bleak. He believes Kenya can reset — if the Constitution is respected, if rule of law is upheld, and if Kenyans rise up to vote in change.
“Let us come up and get registered as voters. Let’s vote this government out and replace it with leadership that respects our Constitution and stops running Kenya like an extractive colony,” he urged.
Asked whether his lack of traditional political experience was a liability, Maraga turned the question on its head.
“Kenyans don’t need another seasoned politician. What they need is principled leadership. Someone who will defend their rights, not trade them for contracts,” he said.
The former CJ acknowledged that running for president won’t be cheap — at one point quoting a Sh10 billion figure — but brushed off the concern. “This isn’t about money. It’s about values. It’s about doing the right thing.”
