Maraga welcomes talks on joint Opposition flagbearer says Kenya needs complete reset

"I believe in opposition unity. This opposition unity must be built on a convergence of values and not appetites. We need to unite under the rule of law and permanently ensure no future leader can weaponize state power to loot public resources, kill our children or silence dissent," he said.

The address, attended by opposition leaders, civil society representatives and supporters, marked the culmination of the Ukatiba Caravan, a nationwide tour that Dr Maraga said exposed widespread frustration among Kenyans over corruption, unemployment, the high cost of living and failing public services.

Dr Maraga said the tour, in which he traversed 43 of the 47 counties, was to listen and reach out to Kenyans and encourage voter registration ahead of the next election.

"What we heard and saw filled us with immense pride. Our people have refused to surrender to despair despite the grinding conditions they have been plunged into," he said.

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However, he said Kenyans consistently raised concerns over what he termed disregard for the rule of law, state capture and corruption, a struggling economy, youth unemployment and the collapse of healthcare and education.

"From major cities to the smallest rural markets in every county we visited, Kenyans singled out five painful realities with remarkable consistency," he said.

According to Dr Maraga, the country has drifted away from the ideals envisioned by its founders, with corruption now entrenched across both national and county governments.

"Driven by greed, our leaders have over the years betrayed that vision and turned our country into a feeding trough for themselves, their families and their associates," he said.

'Criminal enterprise'

He accused the political class of presiding over an extractive system of governance that has enriched a few individuals while millions of Kenyans struggle with poverty and unemployment. He accused President William Ruto of rampant corruption and reckless borrowing.

"Today, under William Ruto, that extractive system has become a full-blown criminal enterprise," he said.

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He argued that public debt had ballooned to unsustainable levels, saying nearly half of the national budget was now being spent on debt repayment.

The former Chief Justice also cited concerns raised by Kenyans over the weakening of institutions and disregard for constitutional principles.

"Kenyans told us plainly that government officials, from the presidency down to the lowest administrative levels, have no respect for the law," he said.

He also referenced the deaths and injuries recorded during the Gen Z protests, saying the events had reinforced public perceptions that leaders had little regard for human life and accountability.

Cost of living

On the economy, Dr Maraga said wananchi repeatedly spoke about business closures, rising fuel costs and shrinking opportunities.

He recounted meeting boda boda riders, traders and farmers who told him they were struggling to survive amid difficult economic conditions. Youth unemployment, he said, emerged as one of the biggest concerns during the tour.

"Kenya's youth constitute approximately 75 per cent of the country's population. If employed and properly deployed, Kenya's youth will transform our economic and social landscape," he said.

He warned that continued neglect of young people risked creating serious social and security challenges. To address the country's challenges, Dr Maraga unveiled what he described as a three-pronged agenda built around resetting, restoring and rebuilding the nation.

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"We need to reset, restore and rebuild our country," he said. Under the reset pillar, Dr Maraga promised to restore constitutional order, strengthen institutions and end impunity.

"We must reset this country to order by reconstituting our governance system in strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law," he said.

"My administration will not treat the Constitution as a suggestion. The Constitution will be our absolute command."

He pledged to professionalise the public service through merit-based appointments and restore the independence of institutions, including Parliament.

Extrajudicial killings

Under the restoration agenda, Dr Maraga promised to end extrajudicial killings and unlawful detentions while safeguarding human rights and the dignity of citizens.

"There will be no sacred cows," he said.
"All criminal suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with our Constitution and applicable laws."

He also pledged to revive the economy by prioritising agriculture, manufacturing and innovation while reducing excessive borrowing and creating a more favourable environment for businesses.

"No country can advance without innovation and manufacturing," he said.
"My government will leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to expand opportunities for our youth."

He further promised a relentless war on corruption, declaring that integrity would form the cornerstone of his administration.

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"I have never been associated with any corruption scandal. I am ready to declare my assets under oath and give a full accounting of how I acquired each piece. I challenge every presidential aspirant, starting with President Ruto, to do the same and account for everything they and their proxies own. I will not steal from you, or allow my family, my friends, or those I appoint to serve with me, to steal from you."

He argued that removing President Ruto from office alone would not be enough unless the country fundamentally changes how it is governed.

"The next government must not be a mere game of musical chairs, the same monkeys in a different forest taking their turn to eat," he said.

"The 2027 General Election will therefore be a defining moment. It will be a make-or-break election."

The event brought together several opposition leaders, including Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, Suba North MP Caroli Omondi, PLP leader Martha Karua and gospel musician Reuben Kigame.

The leaders echoed calls for unity.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, one of the founders of the Linda Mwananchi movement, said opposition leaders must rally behind a credible alternative capable of transforming the country.

"If Sifuna is not going to vie for president to support someone else, the only person we shall allow him to deputise is Maraga," Amisi said.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement were ready to work with like-minded politicians across the political divide.

"As Linda Mwananchi, we are willing to unite and work with candidates across the political divide. We have a unity of purpose and our goal is to rescue this country," he said. "We will put our selfish ambitions aside to deliver this country."

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo admitted Parliament had failed Kenyans and called for collective action to rescue the country.

"As MPs, we have let down Kenyans. We passed the Finance Bill that led to the suffering of Kenyans," he said.

"The journey to save this country is not an easy one. There are obstacles and we need to be strong and deliver this country."

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