Former CJ David Maraga declares 2027 presidential bid, promises integrity-led leadership

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, marking a significant shift from the judiciary to active politics.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with NTV, Maraga said he will be on the ballot to offer alternative leadership and challenge the prevailing culture of impunity, corruption and ethnicity-driven politics.

Maraga, who served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, says his decision is driven by a deep desire to restore integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership in a country he believes is at a critical crossroads.

“After serious reflection, I thought it was time we thought about the leadership of this country. We can’t let some people literally drag our country through the doors. As a result of that reflection, I have made up my mind that I will run in 2027 for the presidency of this country,” he said.

He also noted that the decision to join politics was deeply personal and driven by recent events that have shaken the conscience of many Kenyans.

Excessive force

Maraga explained that the continued use of excessive force against unarmed civilians, especially young people advocating for justice, had compelled him to reflect on the state of leadership in the country.

“This has come as a result of what has happened in the country. I am a parent, and so many others are parents. To see our young people being handled the way they have been handled is extremely worrying,” said Maraga, referencing recent incidents of police brutality against youth protesters.

The former Chief Justice dismissed the current model of politics, where voters are swayed by ethnic loyalties and money.

He urged Kenyans to shift focus to leadership rooted in integrity, competence, and accountability.

“My view is that I want to appeal to Kenyans that this politics of ethnicity, where you look at me as where I come from and how many voters are behind me, is what has brought us to where we are,” he said.

Ethnic balkanisation

“Our young people have told us, and they have demonstrated, they are tired of this. This is what has caused Kenya to be in this mess. I trust that Kenyans this time round are not going to be balkanised into ethnic groups.”

Maraga also revealed that he would not rely on personal wealth or political handouts to campaign.

He noted that he will propose a public fundraising initiative to support his presidential campaign.

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Crowdfunding

“I am not going to require funds to dish out for people to vote for me because that is the reality that has brought this country to where we are. People with money buy your soul, and that’s the last you hear of them until the next election,” he said.

“I will make an appearance at an appropriate time for Kenyans to crowdfund for me for logistical expenses. And I’m convinced that is going to work.”

Asked why Kenyans should trust him with the presidency, Maraga cited his professional integrity and commitment to institution-building.

“I’m a lawyer, but this country needs many other professionals. I will get a team of experts in various areas, put the right people in the right places, give them the confidence to work, and call them to account,” he said.

“If I find someone who is not doing their job because they are waiting for me to tell them what to do, I’ll sack them.”

Political interference

He decried the current state of public institutions, blaming political interference for their collapse.

“Our institutions have literally been broken down. We have no institutions because of interference from the government. People in key institutions are constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering what bwana mkubwa thinks. That must end,” Maraga said.

Maraga also addressed Kenya’s preparedness for a credible election, expressing hope in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) despite challenges.

“In my view, the law is there. The IEBC is being constituted. But there are issues that have been raised, and since they are in court, I won’t comment further,” he said.

Call for vigilance

However, he maintained that elections are won at the polling stations and urged Kenyans to be vigilant.

“This time round, Kenyans are going to be extremely vigilant. If we all remain alert, even if there is rigging, it will not succeed,” he said.

He warned against letting corrupt individuals use stolen wealth to buy votes.

“If we allow people who buy their way using billions stolen from us to lead, that is the problem. We’ll be stuck in a vicious cycle,” he said.

Maraga called on the youth to take charge of their future through active participation in the electoral process.

“I’m appealing to young people, especially, to ensure they register in large numbers and come out to vote. It is your constitutional right. It means your life, the lives of your children and grandchildren. It is important that we all vote,” he said.