NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice David Maraga is set to begin a three-week tour of the United States on September 17 as he seeks to engage Kenyans in the diaspora and build support for his presidential bid ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Maraga, the United Green Movement (UGM) presidential flag bearer, will visit several states, including Delaware, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Georgia, where he plans to meet Kenyan communities, listen to their concerns and present his political agenda.
The former Chief Justice said Kenyans living abroad should be treated as important participants in the country’s political and economic development rather than primarily as a source of remittances.
“Our Constitution recognises the Diaspora as full partners in Kenya’s future, not just a source of remittances,” Maraga said.
He said the US tour would provide an opportunity to engage directly with Kenyans abroad and incorporate their perspectives into his campaign’s broader policy agenda.
“Starting September 17, I will be in the United States for three weeks to listen, share, and engage directly with Kenyans across Delaware, Texas, New York, and beyond,” he said.
Diaspora vote and remittances
Maraga’s campaign has placed particular emphasis on the role of the Kenyan diaspora ahead of the 2027 election, arguing that Kenyans abroad have a significant stake in the country’s governance and economic future.
The campaign secretariat estimates that the United States accounts for more than half of Kenya’s diaspora remittance inflows, with Kenyans living abroad sending between Sh380 billion and Sh405 billion annually in combined cash and in-kind support.
Maraga has argued that the contribution of the diaspora should translate into greater participation in national affairs, including discussions on governance, constitutionalism and development.
His US tour follows the Ukatiba Caravan, a nationwide initiative that took him to 43 counties between February and April, during which he engaged citizens on constitutional governance and the country’s political direction.
According to his campaign team, the diaspora engagements will build on those discussions and allow Maraga to extend his national conversation to Kenyans living outside the country.
UN General Assembly engagements
While in the US, Maraga is also expected to hold meetings with international leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The engagements are expected to focus on issues relating to governance, democracy, constitutionalism and development, while giving the presidential aspirant an opportunity to position his campaign within broader international discussions concerning Kenya.
Maraga’s campaign comes as political parties and presidential hopefuls intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election.
His decision to engage the diaspora early reflects the growing importance of Kenyans abroad in political mobilisation, particularly given their economic contribution through remittances and their growing interest in Kenya’s governance.
The former Chief Justice has continued to present constitutionalism, institutional accountability and governance reforms as central themes of his political platform as he seeks to translate his public profile into electoral support in 2027.
