Former Chief Justice Maraga Officially Declares 2027 Presidential Bid

Veteran jurist cites youth mistreatment and governance failures as motivation for entering race against President Ruto

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially announced his candidacy for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, marking a significant entry into what is expected to be a fiercely contested race against incumbent President William Ruto.

Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday evening, the 74-year-old retired jurist said his decision came after extensive consultations and deep reflection on the country’s current trajectory, particularly the government’s handling of youth-led protests.

“This has come as a result of what has happened in the country. You are a parent, and many others are also parents; to see the young people being handled the way they have been handled is something that is extremely worrying,” Maraga declared during the interview.

Maraga’s announcement comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s administration and follows sustained pressure from various quarters, including former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi and other prominent voices, urging him to enter the presidential race.

The former Chief Justice specifically referenced the treatment of young protesters and the broader culture of impunity that he argues has taken root in Kenya.

His announcement coincided with renewed calls for constitutional restoration ahead of the first anniversary of Rex Masai’s death – a 24-year-old protester who was fatally shot during anti-government demonstrations on June 20, 2024.

“We can’t let some people literally throw our country to the dogs. We need to think about that seriously, and it is as a result of that reflection that I have made up my mind that I will run in 2027 for the presidency of this country,” Maraga stated.

A Professional Governance Vision

Central to Maraga’s campaign platform is a promise to establish what he terms “professional governance” – a system where qualified experts would lead government departments without political interference.

“This country requires many people. What I can place before Kenyans is that I am going to get a team of professionals in various areas. I will not purport to know what is done in the medical field; I will leave that to experts,” he explained.

The former Chief Justice criticized the current administration for what he described as excessive interference with government institutions, particularly in recruitment processes. He pledged to provide necessary leadership while allowing professionals the autonomy to execute their mandates effectively.

Youth-Centric Approach

Recognizing that approximately 80% of Kenya’s population is under 40 years old, Maraga has made youth empowerment a cornerstone of his political message. He promised to create pathways for young people to assume leadership roles, ensuring continuity when older leaders step aside.

This youth-focused approach appears to be resonating with Kenya’s Generation Z, who have been increasingly vocal in their demands for better governance and accountability from political leaders.

From Judiciary to Activism

Maraga’s transition from the judiciary to active politics has been gradual but increasingly visible. Since retiring as Chief Justice in January 2021, he has emerged as a prominent activist, particularly in matters concerning human rights and police accountability.

Earlier this week, he demanded the arrest of key security officials, including National Police Service Inspector General Douglas Kanja and his deputy Eliud Lagat, over their alleged involvement in the death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 7, 2025.

“There is prima facie evidence that Eliud Lagat directly or indirectly, by himself or through his accomplices, is implicated in the illegal arrest, torture, strangulation, and eventual murder of the late Albert Ojwang,” Maraga stated during a press briefing.

A Distinguished Legal Career

(Left – Right) Hon Lady Justice Njoki S. Ndungu, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Jackton Boma Ojwang, Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu (Deputy Chief Justice), Hon. Justice David K. Maraga (Chief Justice), Hon. Justice Mohammed K. Ibrahim, Hon. Justice Dr Smokin C. Wanjala and Hon Justice Isaac Lenaola. August 26, 2017.

Maraga brings significant credentials to the political arena. Born on January 12, 1951, in present-day Nyamira County, he served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice from October 2016 until his retirement in January 2021.

He gained international recognition for his bold decision to annul the 2017 presidential election, citing irregularities and failures in the electoral process. The Supreme Court’s ruling, which Maraga led, forced a repeat election and demonstrated the independence of Kenya’s judiciary under his leadership.

Maraga’s entry into the presidential race adds another dimension to what is shaping up to be a competitive election.

President Ruto, who won the 2022 election, is expected to seek re-election, though his administration has faced criticism over economic policies and governance issues.

Other potential candidates include former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i, who announced his presidential bid in May 2025 after returning from the United States, according to recent reports.

Constitutional Restoration Call

Beyond his presidential ambitions, Maraga has called for a fundamental reset of Kenya’s governance system. He advocates for the restoration of constitutionalism and the rule of law, emphasizing that institutions must function as originally envisioned in the 2010 Constitution.

“We need to seriously think about resetting our country; we need to reset our country back to constitutionalism, where everybody has to obey the law. We need to reset our country back to the rule of law and have things work the way they have been provided in the constitution,” he emphasized.

As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, Maraga’s candidacy represents a significant shift in the political landscape. His reputation for integrity, combined with his legal expertise and recent activism, positions him as a potentially formidable challenger to the incumbent.

The coming months will reveal whether his message of professional governance and constitutional restoration resonates with Kenyan voters who have increasingly demanded accountability from their leaders.

For now, Maraga’s declaration marks the beginning of what promises to be an intense campaign period, with the former Chief Justice positioning himself as the candidate of change and constitutional order in a country grappling with questions about its democratic trajectory.