MAKUENI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has signalled the formation of a possible united opposition front ahead of the 2027 General Election, revealing that consultations among like-minded leaders are underway to mount a formidable challenge against President William Ruto.
Speaking during a tour of Kathonzweni in Makueni County, Maraga said opposition figures share a common objective of ensuring President Ruto serves only one term. He indicated that structured consultations would determine who among them is best positioned to carry the opposition flag.
“We are engaging and consulting. The goal is to consolidate support and agree on the best candidate to challenge for leadership in 2027,” Maraga told residents.
The former Chief Justice criticised the current administration’s record on corruption, arguing that failure to decisively confront graft has undermined service delivery in key sectors such as health and education.
“Corruption continues to weaken our institutions and deny Kenyans essential services,” he said, adding that mismanagement of public resources has eroded public confidence in governance structures.
Maraga pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise strengthening oversight institutions, enforcing accountability in public expenditure, and reinforcing anti-corruption frameworks anchored in the Constitution.
Kenya’s anti-corruption architecture includes institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General, established under Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity. However, critics have often questioned enforcement gaps and political will.
The former CJ also urged Kenyans, particularly Generation Z voters, to register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 polls. He described youth participation as decisive in shaping the country’s political direction.
“The future belongs to the youth. They must register and vote in large numbers to secure accountable leadership,” he said.
Maraga further condemned recent incidents of chaos at opposition rallies, alleging that some disruptions were state-sponsored. He warned that continued political intolerance could heighten tensions and destabilise the country if not addressed through dialogue and adherence to the rule of law.
Political analysts note that talk of a unified opposition front could reshape Kenya’s electoral landscape, especially if multiple opposition figures coalesce behind a single candidate. Historically, fragmented opposition campaigns have benefited incumbents in tightly contested races.
President Ruto, who won the 2022 election under the Kenya Kwanza coalition, has consistently defended his administration’s record, citing economic reforms, social protection programmes, and anti-corruption efforts.
With the 2027 election cycle gradually taking shape, Maraga’s remarks signal early manoeuvres that could redefine alliances and political strategy in the coming months. Whether consultations among opposition leaders translate into a formal coalition remains to be seen, but the rhetoric underscores intensifying political activity as Kenya edges closer to another pivotal electoral contest.
