Youth who attended a consultative meeting with former Chief Justice David Maraga in Mombasa on Friday were disappointed after the 2027 presidential aspirant informed them that he would not give them transport money back home.
According to the presidential hopeful, who is touring the Coast region to seek support, he did not have the funds available and, more importantly, did not want to encourage a culture of expecting handouts in politics, as this fosters poor leadership.
Retired Chief Justice and presidential aspirant David Maraga (centre) with his campaign team activist Shakira Wafula (left) and Susan Lumumba during a meeting with university student leaders in Mombasa in this photo taken on September 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation
“We appreciate you for taking time to meet us here. It’s also good that you’ve started learning the youth’s slang language. When we heard you were coming, we rushed here thinking the former Chief Justice would at least give us what we call 'mchongo'. Some of us don’t even have fare to go back home, so it would be good if you considered us,” said Mr Obiero Otonda, supported by cheers from other youth in agreement.
However, they were left speechless when the former CJ stood up and explained his position, making it clear that he would not be providing them with fare.
“You’ve asked whether I’ll give you transport money to go home, and I’m sorry, but I won’t. I won’t give you because I don’t have it. If I had the money, it’s something I would consider, since you came to meet me, and I would have thought about it,” said the presidential aspirant.
He further explained that even though he is fundraising for his presidential bid, he would not follow the Kenyan political culture of using money to lure support, even if he raised ten times the amount he was targeting.
“I will not dish out hand-outs. For example, like the Sh10,000 some Kenyans are given at State House. What will you really do with it other than spend it and it’s gone? I will not give money to get support,” said Mr Maraga.
Some of the student leaders who had been asked to mobilise the university students said they had not fully understood Mr Maraga, thinking he had refused to give them because of his staunch Christian values.
"Some of us are student leaders and we paid for the students to come for this meeting. This is not a hand-out, I can't say I bribed this people to be here. Was speaking for the few who may not have," said Mr Obiero.
Mr Maraga, however, insisted that he had no money for them, but he would have given them some money for the fare back home if he had.
The back and forth, which had dashed hopes of some of the comrades, prompted activist Shakira Wafula, who had accompanied the former chief justice, to intervene.
“Youth, please don’t be offended. I know some of you genuinely don’t have fare, and as the aspirant’s team, we’ll sacrifice to ensure you get home safely. But let’s continue with our discussion on Mr Maraga’s presidential bid,” said Ms Wafula.
