Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised questions about his political future, suggesting he might run for president in Kenya’s 2027 elections.
While speaking at the People Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park on Thursday, Maraga talked to a crowd about the serious problem of corruption in the country. He shared his ideas about leadership, focusing on accountability and following the law.
Maraga, who was Kenya’s Chief Justice from October 2016 until he retired in January 2021, did not directly say he will run for president but hinted that it was a possibility.
“If I could lead this country, I would make sure everyone follows the law. If that happens, everything will get better. The main issue we face is corruption,” he said.
When asked if he plans to run for president, he replied with a question for the audience: “What kind of leader do you want?”
He stressed the importance of having a leader who sees their role as a responsibility to the people, not just a chance for personal gain.
Maraga is well-known for his 2017 decision that canceled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election. He also shared his concerns about the current situation in Kenya.
“It’s clear for everyone to see that resources are being misused everywhere,” he stated, highlighting the need for responsible leadership.
His comments come at a time when many Kenyans are talking about political issues and calling for better governance.
During his time as Chief Justice, he gained a lot of respect for his honesty and fairness, qualities that people now connect with the idea of him running for office.
However, he did not make a formal announcement about his plans, leaving people to guess what he might do next.
Experts believe that if Maraga decides to enter the presidential race, it could change the 2027 election, putting him up against well-known figures like President William Ruto and other candidates such as Senator Okiya Omtatah and activist Morara Kebaso.
His reputation as a strong supporter of the Constitution and his firm stance against corruption could appeal to voters who are unhappy with the current government.
Since retiring from the judiciary, Maraga has mostly stayed out of the spotlight. His recent comments show he may be ready to move from the courtroom to the election campaign.
As Kenya gets closer to the next elections, many are watching to see if the former Chief Justice will officially declare his desire to lead the country.