Former CJ Maraga rejects tribal politics in 2027 bid, sets coalition conditions

Former Chief Justice David Maraga says he is open to joining forces with other leaders seeking to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election, but only under one condition: integrity and respect for the rule of law.

In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Maraga stressed that he can only work with leaders driven by integrity and a genuine desire to transform the country, not those motivated by ethnicity.

“I do not oppose working with other leaders in our quest to remove Ruto from office in the next General Election. However, those I will work with must be individuals who value integrity, ethics, and the rule of law in their pursuit of leadership,” Maraga said.

The possibility of Maraga, long seen as a lone ranger, teaming up with opposition leaders emerged last month when he and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i hinted at a possible alliance to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.

“We will work with anyone who shares our vision, someone committed to enforcing the Constitution, standing up against corruption, and protecting citizens from government exploitation,” Maraga added. “I am ready to work with such people.”

Maraga, who is eyeing the presidency under the United Green Movement Party, said he is opposed to leaders who base their politics on tribal patronage, warning that such alliances cannot redeem the country from corruption and poor governance.

“I cannot team up with leaders whose only demand is to represent their tribe at the table of power. The politics of rallying ethnic communities against one another is retrogressive and has no place in our society today,” he said.

Asked why he is not focused on consolidating a tribal support base like other politicians, Maraga explained that he rallies his community the same way he appeals to other Kenyans.

“If I go to my community, I rally them to back me the same way I woo other Kenyans. There is no special consideration for them simply because I am one of them by birth,” he said.

He blamed ethnic politics for fueling cronyism, theft of public resources, and impunity, insisting that strict adherence to the law is the cure.

“What we need as a country are leaders who view all regions equally. I promise to treat all Kenyans with utmost equity and fairness if elected,” Maraga said.

He also dismissed claims that he is a “State project” meant to divide votes.

“I have heard people claim that I am a project. I want to confirm that I am not. Those peddling such lies are afraid of the qualities I bring into the contest,” he said.

Maraga’s candidature has stirred political ripples in his Kisii backyard.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who is campaigning for Dr Matiang’i as a presidential choice, has expressed displeasure with Maraga’s bid, especially after his retirement as head of the Judiciary.

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In an earlier interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Onyonka dismissed Maraga’s ambition, arguing that the former CJ is not well-versed in the country’s challenges.

“I think Maraga does not understand the depth of the problems we face as a nation. We cannot hand over leadership to him simply because he nullified a presidential petition,” Onyonka said.

According to Onyonka, Maraga’s moral uprightness alone does not qualify him to lead, as the presidency demands much more.

Maraga, however, rejected claims that he is out to spoil Matiang’i’s chances or those of other Gusii leaders. He accused them of clinging to retrogressive tribal politics instead of integrity and service.

“Their only agenda is tribal politics and peddling lies. Why can it not be said that they are spoiling for me too? They are afraid because our agenda is for all Kenyans, not just tribes,” Maraga said.