Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has cast doubt on retired Chief Justice David Maraga’s ability to mount a viable presidential campaign, arguing that public fundraisers are inadequate for sustaining a national political bid.
Speaking on Saturday, Cherargei cautioned against relying on donations from ordinary citizens, citing the massive financial demands of a presidential race in Kenya.
“Just like I advised my brother, Senator Okiya Omtatah, that to run an effective presidential campaign, you need at least Sh7 billion,” Cherargei said. “Rtd. Chief Justice Maraga should know that in Kenya, a fundraiser can never fund campaigns, even of an MCA.”
His remarks came shortly after the launch of Maraga’s digital fundraising platform under the “Maraga ’27 Campaign,” which encourages Kenyans to contribute from as little as Sh50 in a bid to support what the former CJ describes as a people-driven movement to “Reset, Restore, and Rebuild Kenya.”
The platform, launched on Friday, allows donors to submit their name, phone number, email, and contribution amount, with an option to leave a message of support. According to Maraga, the funds will go towards grassroots mobilisation, digital outreach, campaign events, and building a volunteer network.
In a recent interview with Citizen TV, Maraga revealed that he personally intends to contribute only Sh1–2 million, saying he does not have substantial personal wealth and will depend on Kenyans for support.
However, Cherargei referenced a recent fundraising effort by activist Morara Kebaso, which reportedly struggled to raise money for fuel. “If Morara Kebaso was fundraising for fuel only, yet he couldn’t manage, is Maraga looking for votes or money? Which is which?” he posed.
Despite criticism, Maraga remains optimistic, stating that ordinary Kenyans—especially the youth and marginalised groups—are ready for leadership grounded in integrity and justice. He also pledged full transparency and accountability, promising to direct any excess funds towards a public cause.
The Maraga campaign is headquartered in Westlands, Nairobi, and aims to challenge the political status quo ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has cast doubt on retired Chief Justice David Maraga’s ability to mount a viable presidential campaign, arguing that public fundraisers are inadequate for sustaining a national political bid.
Speaking on Saturday, Cherargei cautioned against relying on donations from ordinary citizens, citing the massive financial demands of a presidential race in Kenya.
“Just like I advised my brother, Senator Okiya Omtatah, that to run an effective presidential campaign, you need at least Sh7 billion,” Cherargei said. “Rtd. Chief Justice Maraga should know that in Kenya, a fundraiser can never fund campaigns, even of an MCA.”
His remarks came shortly after the launch of Maraga’s digital fundraising platform under the “Maraga ’27 Campaign,” which encourages Kenyans to contribute from as little as Sh50 in a bid to support what the former CJ describes as a people-driven movement to “Reset, Restore, and Rebuild Kenya.”
The platform, launched on Friday, allows donors to submit their name, phone number, email, and contribution amount, with an option to leave a message of support. According to Maraga, the funds will go towards grassroots mobilisation, digital outreach, campaign events, and building a volunteer network.
In a recent interview with Citizen TV, Maraga revealed that he personally intends to contribute only Sh1–2 million, saying he does not have substantial personal wealth and will depend on Kenyans for support.
However, Cherargei referenced a recent fundraising effort by activist Morara Kebaso, which reportedly struggled to raise money for fuel. “If Morara Kebaso was fundraising for fuel only, yet he couldn’t manage, is Maraga looking for votes or money? Which is which?” he posed.
Despite criticism, Maraga remains optimistic, stating that ordinary Kenyans especially the youth and marginalised groups are ready for leadership grounded in integrity and justice. He also pledged full transparency and accountability, promising to direct any excess funds towards a public cause.
The Maraga campaign is headquartered in Westlands, Nairobi, and aims to challenge the political status quo ahead of the 2027 General Election.
