Former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, marking his first public announcement to vie for the country’s top seat.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Wednesday, Maraga cited growing concerns over the country’s state of affairs, particularly the mistreatment of young people and rampant corruption, as the primary motivators for his decision. He emphasized that Kenya needs a moral reset and better leadership to steer it away from the current challenges.
“This has come as a result of what has been happening in the country. To see our young people being handled the way they have been handled is extremely worrying,” he said.
Maraga added that the decision followed wide consultations with close friends and various groups across the country. “After discussions with friends and others, and after serious reflection, I thought it is time we think about the leadership of this country. We can’t let some people literally throw our country to the dogs,” he said.
Although this is his first public declaration, Maraga’s political intentions have been speculated for months due to his increased public engagements, especially with youth and civil society groups. He has also become increasingly vocal in criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration over policies and governance issues.
In a recent town hall meeting in Dandora, Maraga made bold promises to combat corruption and restore public trust in government institutions. He stated that his top priority as president would be ending the endemic theft of public resources.
“We are here as a country because of the theft of public funds. If we stop that, you won’t see doctors and teachers protesting on the streets. Government employees will be paid on time and our hospitals won’t lack medicine,” he asserted.
Maraga believes Kenya’s problems are largely self-inflicted and that genuine progress can only be achieved by addressing impunity and mismanagement at the highest levels. His entry into the 2027 race adds a new dimension to the political landscape, potentially attracting support from Kenyans seeking a cleaner, principled leadership alternative.
