Former Chief Justice David Maraga has announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, revealing an ambitious plan to fund his campaign through small donations from ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on July 15, Maraga disclosed that he would invest only a modest amount of his own money between Sh1 million and Sh2 million into the campaign. Instead, he is banking on public goodwill, asking Kenyans to contribute as little as Sh10.
“I will appeal to Kenyans to contribute to the campaigns. I don’t have much money,” Maraga stated. “With the suffering Kenyans have gone through, I’m sure we’ll get Sh50, 100 from individuals. I’m hoping we’ll get excess, and whatever is left, we will give it to a public cause.”
Maraga, who served as Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, believes that the public especially the youth and other underrepresented groups are hungry for change and will rally behind a campaign rooted in integrity, justice, and the rule of law.
Promising to form a government of professionals and experts, Maraga said every public servant under his leadership would be held to strict standards of performance and accountability. “In my administration, I will make it very clear and I’m making it clear from now that everybody will have to obey the law, starting with me,” he affirmed.
He also criticised the government’s handling of recent Gen Z-led protests, condemning the use of excessive force and the labelling of youth as “terrorists.” According to Maraga, the youth were exercising their constitutional rights and deserved protection not persecution.
On the issue of national dialogue, Maraga expressed support for opposition leader Raila Odinga’s call but emphasised the need for a people-driven process. “We’ve had dialogues in the past that have not addressed the root causes. It must be people-oriented and not just about positions,” he said.
As 2027 approaches, Maraga’s campaign strategy signals a potential shift in Kenyan politics towards transparency, public participation, and grassroots empowerment.
