Former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga has officially declared his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, announcing that he will run on the United Green Movement (UGM) ticket.
The declaration, made Thursday at the party’s Green Action House headquarters in Nairobi, marks Maraga’s dramatic shift from the bench to active politics after years of serving in the judiciary, where he is best remembered for annulling the 2017 presidential election.
Flanked by UGM leaders and supporters, Maraga received the party’s colours and unveiled his political vision, anchored on the rule of law, human rights, and democratic governance.
“I accepted the call to join this party because it aligns with my personal principles and ideologies on a wide range of matters. This includes matters on the rule of law, respect for human rights and democratic governance, among others,” he said.
UGM co-founder and former Ndhiwa MP Neto Agostinho hands David Maraga the party’s flag.
“I have committed to building and restoring the dignity of Kenyans as well as protecting our human rights.”
UGM, co-founded by former Ndhiwa MP Neto Agostinho after his departure from ODM, has recently sought to reposition itself as a progressive movement appealing to young voters and reform-minded citizens.
Maraga’s entry is expected to give the party a high-profile candidate with a clean public image and strong name recognition.
The former CJ has in recent months increased his political visibility, attending rallies and grassroots events organised by UGM, with particular emphasis on engaging Gen Z voters.
At a June event in Kwale, where the party launched its county office, Maraga urged young people to embrace political leadership, declaring them the “drivers of Kenya’s future.”
On campaign financing, Maraga said his presidential run would rely on contributions from supporters while committing to inject between Sh1 million and Sh2 million of his personal resources.
The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with some welcoming his transparency and others questioning the sufficiency of grassroots fundraising in a competitive race.
Maraga also addressed remarks made by President William Ruto, who had accused him of branding Kenya a failed state.
He clarified that his statement had been misrepresented. “The President distorted what I said. I didn’t say Kenya is a failed state. I said that Kenya is sliding toward being a failed state based on what happened during the Gen Z protests,” he explained.
With his candidacy, Maraga joins a growing list of political heavyweights and newcomers positioning themselves for the succession battle as President Ruto’s first term draws to a close.
His campaign is expected to test whether a former head of the judiciary can successfully transition into Kenya’s fiercely competitive political arena.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has formally established a comprehensive communications infrastructure for his 2027 presidential campaign, announcing a seven-member team and new digital platforms to engage with Kenyan voters.
In a statement released on Monday, July 28, 2025, Maraga revealed that his campaign has responded to feedback from Kenyans regarding the need for streamlined communication strategies. The announcement comes as the former judiciary head positions himself as a transformative candidate ahead of the next general election.
The newly appointed communications team comprises Carolyne Kiarie, Gloria Michira, Lewis Ngunyi, Nyamisa Chelagat, Shallet Kutment, Shakira Wafula, and Susan Lumumba. These individuals will be responsible for managing campaign messaging and responding to public feedback through dedicated phone lines.
Maraga’s digital strategy includes the launch of multiple social media platforms specifically branded for his presidential bid. The campaign will operate official accounts on Facebook (@DavidMaraga27), X/Twitter (@DavidMaraga27), Instagram (@dkmaraga_), TikTok (@dkmaraga), and YouTube (@dkmaraga). Additionally, a campaign website, DavidMaraga.com, has been established to serve as a central hub for supporter engagement.
The former Chief Justice emphasized that his existing Twitter handle (@dkmaraga) will continue to serve as his personal communication channel, while the new accounts will focus on campaign operations, grassroots activities, media engagements, and fundraising initiatives.
Operating from headquarters at 82 Westlands Road in Nairobi, Maraga’s campaign has adopted the slogan “Reset, Restore, Rebuild” and promises to build robust systems that will chart a path toward what he terms “the Kenya of our courageous dreams.”
Despite his early campaign preparations, Maraga faces significant challenges in his presidential ambitions. He has yet to align with a political party or coalition, and his candidacy faces competition within his Gusii community from former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has also expressed presidential ambitions.
Maraga’s campaign strategy appears to target younger voters, positioning himself as the preferred candidate for Generation Z. His appeal to this demographic stems partly from his outsider status in electoral politics, with supporters viewing his lack of traditional political experience as an asset in disrupting established political networks.
The former Chief Justice’s entry into presidential politics represents a significant shift from his judicial career, where he served as Kenya’s 15th Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021. His tenure was marked by landmark rulings, including the annulment of the 2017 presidential election, which established his reputation as an independent judicial voice.
As the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape, Maraga’s early organizational efforts signal his serious commitment to challenging established political figures for Kenya’s highest office.
Former Chief Justice vows to end vote-buying culture, calls for issue-based politics over ethnic considerations
NAIROBI, Kenya – Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has made a bold pledge to transform Kenya’s electoral landscape by refusing to engage in vote-buying while appealing to Kenyans to fund his 2027 presidential campaign through legitimate contributions for logistical expenses.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday night, Maraga outlined his unconventional approach to campaigning, stating he would not require funds to distribute to voters in exchange for their support.
“I’m going to make an appeal at the appropriate time for Kenyans to fund me for logistical expenses,” Maraga declared.
“I will not require funds to dish out for people to vote for me to become president because that is an irregularity; those are among the irregularities that we should sort out.”
The former Chief Justice’s announcement represents a significant departure from Kenya’s traditional campaign financing model, where candidates often spend enormous sums on direct voter inducements. Maraga’s approach signals his intention to run a clean campaign focused on issues rather than monetary incentives.
His appeal for public funding specifically targets legitimate campaign costs such as transportation, venue hire, and other logistical requirements essential for reaching voters across the country’s 47 counties.
Call for Issue-Based Politics
Central to Maraga’s message is a strong appeal against ethnic-based voting patterns that have dominated Kenyan politics for decades. The 71-year-old jurist argued that tribal politics has been detrimental to the country’s progress.
“I want to appeal to Kenyans; this politics of ethnicity is what has brought us to where we are, but if we were to face issues and look at who can deal with the crisis that is there in the country, I think we will move from there,” Maraga explained.
He expressed confidence that Kenyan voters, particularly the youth, have grown weary of ethnic considerations in political choices. “Our young people have said they are tired of political ethnicity. I trust Kenyans this time round are not going to be balkanised into ethnic groups; they are going to look at the issues affecting the country and vote accordingly.”
Youth Movement Behind the Bid
Maraga’s presidential announcement follows sustained pressure from young Kenyans, particularly Generation Z voters who gained prominence during the anti-government protests of June 2024.
The former Chief Justice, globally known for annulling the 2017 presidential election, has yielded to growing pressure from young Kenyans who are urging him to run and usher in a “new era of integrity and reform”.
The decision to enter the race came after extensive consultations with friends and supporters, with Maraga citing concerns about the country’s direction under current leadership.
“This has come as a result of what has happened in the country. You are a parent, and many others are also parents; to see the young people being handled the way they have been handled is something that is extremely worrying,” he said, referencing recent incidents during youth-led demonstrations.
Distinguished Career
David Kenani Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice between 2016 and 2021, taking over as the country’s 14th Chief Justice and the second under its new constitution after his predecessor Willy Mutunga’s early retirement.
Before joining the judiciary, Maraga practiced law privately for 25 years, specializing in civil and criminal litigation as well as conveyancing.
His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by several landmark decisions, most notably the historic annulment of the 2017 presidential election – a decision that earned him international recognition for judicial independence and courage.
Maraga’s entry into the 2027 presidential race sets up what promises to be a competitive contest against incumbent President William Ruto, who assumed office in 2022.
A section of Kenyans, led by former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, have been pushing for Maraga to throw himself into the contest to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
The former Chief Justice’s campaign appears to be gaining momentum, with recent endorsements from various quarters including traditional leaders from his home region of Kisii County.
Reform Agenda
Maraga’s campaign platform appears centered on constitutional restoration, professional governance, and youth empowerment.
His background in the judiciary and reputation for integrity position him as a reformist candidate appealing to voters seeking change from conventional political practices.
The emphasis on clean campaigning and public funding represents a test of whether Kenyan voters are ready for a different style of politics – one based on merit, issues, and integrity rather than ethnic loyalty and monetary inducements.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Maraga’s unique approach to campaign financing and his call for issue-based politics could reshape the political discourse in Kenya, particularly if other candidates follow his lead in rejecting vote-buying practices.
The former Chief Justice has indicated he will formally launch his fundraising appeals “at the appropriate time,” suggesting a structured approach to his campaign financing that prioritizes transparency and public accountability.
Veteran jurist cites youth mistreatment and governance failures as motivation for entering race against President Ruto
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially announced his candidacy for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, marking a significant entry into what is expected to be a fiercely contested race against incumbent President William Ruto.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday evening, the 74-year-old retired jurist said his decision came after extensive consultations and deep reflection on the country’s current trajectory, particularly the government’s handling of youth-led protests.
“This has come as a result of what has happened in the country. You are a parent, and many others are also parents; to see the young people being handled the way they have been handled is something that is extremely worrying,” Maraga declared during the interview.
Maraga’s announcement comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s administration and follows sustained pressure from various quarters, including former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi and other prominent voices, urging him to enter the presidential race.
The former Chief Justice specifically referenced the treatment of young protesters and the broader culture of impunity that he argues has taken root in Kenya.
His announcement coincided with renewed calls for constitutional restoration ahead of the first anniversary of Rex Masai’s death – a 24-year-old protester who was fatally shot during anti-government demonstrations on June 20, 2024.
“We can’t let some people literally throw our country to the dogs. We need to think about that seriously, and it is as a result of that reflection that I have made up my mind that I will run in 2027 for the presidency of this country,” Maraga stated.
A Professional Governance Vision
Central to Maraga’s campaign platform is a promise to establish what he terms “professional governance” – a system where qualified experts would lead government departments without political interference.
“This country requires many people. What I can place before Kenyans is that I am going to get a team of professionals in various areas. I will not purport to know what is done in the medical field; I will leave that to experts,” he explained.
The former Chief Justice criticized the current administration for what he described as excessive interference with government institutions, particularly in recruitment processes. He pledged to provide necessary leadership while allowing professionals the autonomy to execute their mandates effectively.
Youth-Centric Approach
Recognizing that approximately 80% of Kenya’s population is under 40 years old, Maraga has made youth empowerment a cornerstone of his political message. He promised to create pathways for young people to assume leadership roles, ensuring continuity when older leaders step aside.
This youth-focused approach appears to be resonating with Kenya’s Generation Z, who have been increasingly vocal in their demands for better governance and accountability from political leaders.
From Judiciary to Activism
Maraga’s transition from the judiciary to active politics has been gradual but increasingly visible. Since retiring as Chief Justice in January 2021, he has emerged as a prominent activist, particularly in matters concerning human rights and police accountability.
Earlier this week, he demanded the arrest of key security officials, including National Police Service Inspector General Douglas Kanja and his deputy Eliud Lagat, over their alleged involvement in the death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 7, 2025.
“There is prima facie evidence that Eliud Lagat directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices, is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang,” Maraga stated during a press briefing.
A Distinguished Legal Career
(Left – Right) Hon Lady Justice Njoki S. Ndungu, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Jackton Boma Ojwang, Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu (Deputy Chief Justice), Hon. Justice David K. Maraga (Chief Justice), Hon. Justice Mohammed K. Ibrahim, Hon. Justice Dr Smokin C. Wanjala and Hon Justice Isaac Lenaola. August 26, 2017.
Maraga brings significant credentials to the political arena. Born on January 12, 1951, in present-day Nyamira County, he served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice from October 2016 until his retirement in January 2021.
He gained international recognition for his bold decision to annul the 2017 presidential election, citing irregularities and failures in the electoral process. The Supreme Court’s ruling, which Maraga led, forced a repeat election and demonstrated the independence of Kenya’s judiciary under his leadership.
Maraga’s entry into the presidential race adds another dimension to what is shaping up to be a competitive election.
President Ruto, who won the 2022 election, is expected to seek re-election, though his administration has faced criticism over economic policies and governance issues.
Other potential candidates include former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i, who announced his presidential bid in May 2025 after returning from the United States, according to recent reports.
Constitutional Restoration Call
Beyond his presidential ambitions, Maraga has called for a fundamental reset of Kenya’s governance system. He advocates for the restoration of constitutionalism and the rule of law, emphasizing that institutions must function as originally envisioned in the 2010 Constitution.
“We need to seriously think about resetting our country; we need to reset our country back to constitutionalism, where everybody has to obey the law. We need to reset our country back to the rule of law and have things work the way they have been provided in the constitution,” he emphasized.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, Maraga’s candidacy represents a significant shift in the political landscape. His reputation for integrity, combined with his legal expertise and recent activism, positions him as a potentially formidable challenger to the incumbent.
The coming months will reveal whether his message of professional governance and constitutional restoration resonates with Kenyan voters who have increasingly demanded accountability from their leaders.
For now, Maraga’s declaration marks the beginning of what promises to be an intense campaign period, with the former Chief Justice positioning himself as the candidate of change and constitutional order in a country grappling with questions about its democratic trajectory.
