Former Chief Justice David Maraga has described the 2027 presidential race as a contest between those who seek to restore the rule of law and those who have blatantly violated it, including ‘killing children like rats’.
In an exclusive interview with NTV on Wednesday night, Mr Maraga confirmed his decision to challenge President William Ruto’s re-election, promising to end impunity, police brutality as well as corruption.
He projected himself as the Gen Z presidential candidate in a perceived attempt to ride on the current wave of disaffection against President Ruto’s administration by the youthful population.
The Gen Zs, who staged nationwide protests against Finance Bill, 2024 in June last year, have become a crucial constituency by those seeking the highest office due to their numerical strength.
“To see our young people being handled the way they have been handled, it is something which is extremely worrying. So, I mean, after discussions with friends and others, and after serious reflection, I thought it is time that we think about the leadership of this country,” said Mr Maraga.
One-on-one with Maraga: 'When I become president...'
“We can't let some people literally take our country to the dogs. We need to think about that seriously. And as a result of that reflection, I have made up my mind that I will run in 2027 for the presidency of this country,” he declared.
Mr Maraga accused President Ruto’s administration of losing touch with the common man, stating that some of the individuals in positions of power think “they can do anything including killing young children like rats.”
“Those in authority think that public resources are their property. It is time we think about resetting our country back to constitutionalism where everyone thinks about the rule of law and adhering to the constitution.”
He promised to restore public trust in institutions by ensuring adherence to the rule of law. He described the current state of affairs as a total breakdown of the rule of law.
“Those in authority think they can do whatever they want to do and escape with it. If we continue like that we will not have a country. Given a chance I would want to call the country back to order.”
“As the head of state with the powers given to that office, I will require everybody to obey the law starting with myself. We are in that moment where we want someone courageous to do exactly that. You were around in 2017, you saw what I did. We had a stolen election we nullified
“Eighty percent of the Kenya population are people under the age of 40. The minority of us who are above 40 do not want to realise that it is time we get the young people to be involved in the leadership of the country,” said the 74-year-old, who served as the country’s Chief Justice from October 2016 until retirement in January 2021.
Mr Maraga is among a host of leaders, who have since declared interest to run for the presidency. He has, however, not shown any indication of teaming up with the other opposition figures.
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua , Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka , People’s Liberation Party (PLP) boss Martha Karua , former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa have announced their plan to form a coalition and front a single candidate to challenge Dr Ruto.
There have been fears that having multiple opposition candidates on the ballot may work in favour of President Ruto.
“I will work with people who have the same views that I share and those of Kenyans. Kenyans are tired, they are fed up. I have spoken to the young people,” said Mr Maraga.
He also spoke about over taxation and alleged budgeted corruption. He said many Kenyans are fed up of being taxed but were not enjoying any services from their taxes.
“Some say that we will not mind how much we are paying for hospital insurance if only we would see results from that. The view we are getting is that Kenyans are tired and they want a change. Those who want to be on the side of Kenyans will join me and we work. We enforce Chapter Six of the constitution. This is a moment we are not going to have coalitions to enrich other people,” he said.
On his plan to fight corruption, Mr Maraga said he would have the right people to lead the country’s investigative agencies. He said, with the right investigators, the country will be able to slay the corruption dragon.
“I was privileged to head the taskforce on police reforms, I went around the country and I spoke with police officers. We have very honest police officers but they are given mixed signals, they are not allowed to do their work.”
“I will ensure that the Kenyans are given their chance to work. If it is coming from the top, it will certainly work. Unless we take the step, we are losing our country. The corruption deals which are there are facilitated by those in power. Much of the corruption in this country is budgeted corruption where money is budgeted for projects but it ends up serving other purposes,” he said.
He also admitted to the existence of corruption within the judiciary, an institution he led for more than four years.
“We got complaints from Kenyans and we placed those complaints where there was evidence, we sent people home. Just before I was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, I was privileged to head a tribunal that investigated a judge. There was evidence and we sent him home,” he said.
