In an unexpected announcement, former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially declared his bid for the 2027 presidential election. Known for his uncompromising stance on constitutional integrity and judicial independence, Maraga is now preparing to step directly into the political fray. His campaign, launched with a statement of purpose rather than a spectacle, is centered on reclaiming moral leadership and restoring lawful governance in a country where trust in public institutions has been deeply eroded.

Maraga’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political trajectory. Unlike career politicians who ride waves of popularity and tribal loyalty, he is positioning himself as a candidate grounded in principle and legal fidelity. The announcement did not come with dancing crowds or political endorsements, but rather a solemn call to action—an appeal to citizens disillusioned by endemic corruption, police violence, and economic inequality.

Fighting ‘Budgeted Corruption’ and Institutional Decay

At the heart of Maraga’s platform is an unflinching commitment to fighting corruption. He has dubbed Kenya’s current state of graft as “budgeted corruption,” accusing top leaders of institutionalizing theft through inflated procurement budgets and manipulated development projects. Maraga has vowed to completely dismantle this system, promising to strengthen oversight institutions, reform procurement laws, and prosecute corrupt officials without fear or favor. His entry into the race sends a signal to both public servants and political elites: the days of unchecked looting could be numbered.

He also took a firm stand against the tradition of vote-buying and patronage politics, refusing to offer cash handouts in exchange for support. Instead, he invited Kenyans of goodwill to voluntarily fund his campaign’s logistical needs. Maraga stressed that a leadership based on bribery cannot deliver honest governance and warned that any citizen who sells their vote should not expect accountability in return.

Police Reform: Ending Brutality and Enforcing Accountability

Maraga has made it clear that one of his top priorities will be putting an end to police brutality—a crisis that has escalated with the recent wave of violent crackdowns on protestors and civilians. He condemned the excessive force used by security forces during peaceful demonstrations and called for full investigations into the deaths and injuries that have occurred under questionable circumstances.

He outlined plans to restructure the police service by prioritizing training in human rights, enforcing strict accountability measures, and establishing an independent body to investigate police misconduct. He also pledged to break the culture of impunity that protects rogue officers, arguing that police reforms must be more than just cosmetic—they must lead to justice, protection, and restored public trust.

Elevating Youth and Redefining Leadership

A central feature of Maraga’s candidacy is his deliberate appeal to the youth. Calling himself the “Gen Z candidate,” he acknowledged the generational shift taking place in Kenya’s demographics and expressed his readiness to mentor younger leaders into meaningful roles in national development. Maraga believes that Kenya’s long-term stability and prosperity can only be secured by involving the country’s largest demographic in decisions that shape their future.

He envisions a government where appointments are based on merit, performance, and integrity—not political connections or tribal affiliations. His administration, if elected, would prioritize the appointment of competent professionals to manage key ministries, revamp public service, and eliminate the redundancy and bloat that has plagued Kenya’s bureaucracy. The former CJ believes that professionalizing government institutions will lead to more effective service delivery and restore credibility in the eyes of citizens.

A Credible Alternative Amid Growing Discontent

With his announcement, Maraga enters a competitive field of aspirants vying to unseat President William Ruto. Other potential contenders include Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Peter Salasya, and the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. However, Maraga’s candidacy stands out because of his non-partisan legacy and his proven willingness to stand for the law—even when it meant defying the executive.

Analysts believe that Maraga could appeal to a large bloc of disillusioned voters—especially those who value ethics over theatrics. His reputation for judicial integrity, exemplified by his historic annulment of the 2017 presidential election results, still resonates with many Kenyans. However, turning that reputation into electoral capital will not be easy. He will need to build a national coalition, overcome resource limitations, and engage in the rough terrain of political negotiations without compromising his values.