Maraga unveils ‘Ukatiba Philosophy’ for his 2027 presidential bid, slams Ruto on democracy
Speaking at the University of Nairobi during an event organised with ForumCiv to mark International Democracy Day, Maraga urged Kenyans to actively defend democratic values.
Former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga has announced that his 2027 bid is anchored on a philosophy of strict adherence to the Constitution.
On Monday, Maraga revealed that his guiding principle is what he calls the "Ukatiba Philosophy," which is firmly rooted in the rule of law.
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Speaking at the University of Nairobi during an event organised with ForumCiv to mark International Democracy Day, Maraga urged Kenyans to actively defend democratic values.
"We must therefore rise to the challenge, and stand up for democracy and speak. This is the promise I offer Kenyans as we prepare to vote in 2027," he said.
Maraga voiced concern over what he described as a growing erosion of constitutionalism and democracy in the country.
"It's a time to pause, measure and dream about the promise of democracy and the freedom to choose how we have grown ourselves," he noted.
Speak without fear
According to him, democracy is not a gift handed down by the powerful but "the stubborn claim of ordinary people to live free, to speak without fear and to be heard without begging."
"Today, we must ask ourselves the hard questions of whether we are living to the promise of democracy," he added.
Maraga criticised President William Ruto’s administration, saying its two years in power have been troubling for democracy watchers. He accused the government of deploying excessive force against protesters, resulting in deaths.
"We have seen a rise in abductions, enforced disappearances, unexplained deaths in police custody, arrest of citizens whose only crime was to speak truth to power or use digital space to exercise their rights of expression," protested Maraga.
Defend citizens in court
He disclosed that he has been compelled to personally defend citizens in court.
"Last Thursday, I was compelled to appear in court to defend young people against triumphed charges of terrorism for participating in protests. Many of those young people are languishing in remand because they cannot meet exorbitant bail terms imposed on them," he said.
Maraga warned Kenyans about the fragility of democracy, stressing that "democracy dies in silence."
"Democracy is defended by mothers who refuse to bury their sons in silence. It is defended by journalists who refuse to trade truth for comfort. It is guaranteed by young people who refuse to be told that their future is postponed indefinitely."
Now a fierce critic of Ruto’s presidency, the former Supreme Court President was joined at the event by human rights and democracy stakeholders who highlighted the government’s shortcomings.
The University of Nairobi function also featured a vibrant photo exhibition showcasing police brutality and the resilience of Kenya’s pro-democracy heroes.
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