Former Chief Justice David Maraga has announced he will run for president in Kenya’s 2027 elections. He wants to change how political campaigns are funded by asking for help directly from Kenyans instead of relying on rich donors.
Maraga plans to lead with honesty and integrity. He promises to build a team of skilled professionals to help govern and focus on following the law and the Constitution.
At a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Maraga shared his vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution and open political funding.
He stated that his campaign will be supported by the contributions of everyday Kenyans who want a better future for their country.
“I am not supported by large amounts of money or powerful political groups,” Maraga said. “My campaign will be a people’s campaign, funded by ordinary Kenyans.”
He encouraged citizens to support his campaign, stating that money from the public would help him remain independent and accountable to the people.
Maraga, who was Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, is known for his judicial reforms and his historic decision to cancel the 2017 presidential election. He wants to ensure that the Constitution is respected in government.
“Kenya deserves leaders who follow the law and put the Constitution first,” he said.
Maraga promised to bring together a strong team of honest and skilled people to form a government that serves all Kenyans. “I will gather men and women of integrity, experts in their fields, to create a government that works for everyone,” he added.
Maraga’s announcement comes as many politicians in Kenya are also preparing to run for president. His message is likely to attract voters who are tired of corruption and the influence of powerful political families.
However, some experts are cautious. They believe his idea of funding a campaign through public donations is a new concept that could be hard to implement in Kenya, where campaigns usually need a lot of money.
Political analyst Jane Mwangi noted, “Maraga’s call for public support is good, but it hasn’t been tried in Kenya’s challenging political environment. He will need to build a strong grassroots movement to compete with wealthier candidates.”
Maraga remains optimistic and invited Kenyans to join his movement, calling it a “collective journey toward a fair and prosperous Kenya”. As the 2027 elections get closer, many people will be watching to see if his message of honesty and following the Constitution can win votes.