Maraga honours devolution hero Odhiambo Mbai, vows to uphold constitutionalism and drive economy reforms in presidential bid

The philosophy of strictly following the Constitution and constitutionalism of governance processes is what drove former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga to the graveside of the late devolution hero Crispin Odhiambo Mbai.

The leadership of the Green United Movement Party that Maraga now heads revealed to The Eastleigh Voice that the former judge’s quest for the country’s leadership to adhere to the law informed his visit during the weekend.

Mbai was a University of Nairobi lecturer who was gunned down on September 14, 2003, by suspected hitmen who found him in his house in Nairobi. At the time of his death, Mbai was the chairman of the devolution committee at the constitutional conference at the Bomas. He played a key role in the negotiations as they pushed for Kenyans to have a new constitution.

“I took time during my Homabay County trip to pay my respects and lay flowers at Dr Odhiambo Mbai's mausoleum at his Majiwa village of Homabay Town Constituency. I met his widow, and we caught up on her progress since the assassination of her husband. The late Dr Mbai contributed a great deal to the chapter on Devolution of the 2010 Constitution,” said Maraga.

Maraga announced that his presidency will prioritise the full implementation of Devolution to give Kenyans dignity and spur our economic growth. “We must also end the sad history of political assassinations, which rob families, their loved ones and the country, its best brains.”

Former Ndhiwa MP Neto Oyugi, who is a co-party leader of the Green United Movement Party, said that the visit is significant to them because Maraga's campaign philosophy and ideology are Ukatiba.

“Devolution is one of the strongest pillars of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Strengthening Devolution will be a priority in his government. He chose this trip to recognise and honour the key architect of Devolution,” explained Neto.

To date, the family of Mbai is still demanding to know the people behind the death of their kin.

The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) report revealed that Mbai was killed because of his political views about devolution. However, those behind his death have not yet been revealed.

TJRC had ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate and report on the circumstances, motives and those responsible for the assassination and subsequent cover-up. The DPP report was to be made public.

Maraga slammed Kenya’s leadership for driving the country into economic turmoil, citing excessive borrowing, corruption and mismanagement of resources.

The former CJ argued that the real challenge is not a lack of wealth but a failure of those in power to manage the nation’s resources responsibly.

“Kenya is not a poor country. Our problem is that we have people in power who keep borrowing, wasting resources and stealing,” he said.

Maraga noted that his campaign aims to tackle these issues through governance reforms and transparent resource management.

“I will work hard to rebuild our economy, use innovation and technology to create opportunities for the youth and rejuvenate agriculture and agribusiness,” he added.

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• vows to uphold constitutionalism and drive economy reforms in presidential bid

His statements align with his “Reset. Restore. Rebuild.” campaign launched in October 2025, which focuses on addressing unemployment and stimulating rural economies.

Maraga has intensified his nationwide outreach, including visits to coastal counties such as Mombasa and Tana River, where he highlighted the role of agribusiness in job creation and local enterprise growth.

The United Green Movement Party has issued a notice inviting young aspirants from all 47 counties to join the 2027 campaigns. The notice, dated November 4, 2025, said the party aims to nurture and empower “the next generation of political leaders who can bring new energy, accountability and inclusivity into Kenya’s governance.”

Registered participants will take part in an in-person session to develop a National Campaign Accountability Charter guiding UGM’s election strategy. Applications are set to close on November 11, 2025.

In a local TV interview on November 4, 2025, Maraga criticised President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the current government has failed the nation. He said that for a president to issue orders that harm the people demonstrates a failure in leadership.

“If you can issue shooting orders against young people going to the streets to protest the finance bill, then you have lost the legitimacy as the President,” he said, referencing the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

He also highlighted unemployment as a pressing concern.

“Look at the current economy; Kenya’s economy is pathetic. The challenge of unemployment in this country is to revive the economy. We have what it takes to create employment among young people,” Maraga said.

He has reiterated his commitment to restoring integrity, accountability and economic opportunity, as he ramps up his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.