“I Will Not Dish Out Cash During Campaigns”: Maraga Appeals for Kenyans to Fund His 2027 Presidential Bid

Former Chief Justice vows to end vote-buying culture, calls for issue-based politics over ethnic considerations

NAIROBI, Kenya – Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has made a bold pledge to transform Kenya’s electoral landscape by refusing to engage in vote-buying while appealing to Kenyans to fund his 2027 presidential campaign through legitimate contributions for logistical expenses.

Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday night, Maraga outlined his unconventional approach to campaigning, stating he would not require funds to distribute to voters in exchange for their support.

“I’m going to make an appeal at the appropriate time for Kenyans to fund me for logistical expenses,” Maraga declared.

“I will not require funds to dish out for people to vote for me to become president because that is an irregularity; those are among the irregularities that we should sort out.”

The former Chief Justice’s announcement represents a significant departure from Kenya’s traditional campaign financing model, where candidates often spend enormous sums on direct voter inducements. Maraga’s approach signals his intention to run a clean campaign focused on issues rather than monetary incentives.

His appeal for public funding specifically targets legitimate campaign costs such as transportation, venue hire, and other logistical requirements essential for reaching voters across the country’s 47 counties.

Call for Issue-Based Politics

Central to Maraga’s message is a strong appeal against ethnic-based voting patterns that have dominated Kenyan politics for decades. The 71-year-old jurist argued that tribal politics has been detrimental to the country’s progress.

“I want to appeal to Kenyans; this politics of ethnicity is what has brought us to where we are, but if we were to face issues and look at who can deal with the crisis that is there in the country, I think we will move from there,” Maraga explained.

He expressed confidence that Kenyan voters, particularly the youth, have grown weary of ethnic considerations in political choices. “Our young people have said they are tired of political ethnicity. I trust Kenyans this time round are not going to be balkanised into ethnic groups; they are going to look at the issues affecting the country and vote accordingly.”

Youth Movement Behind the Bid

Maraga’s presidential announcement follows sustained pressure from young Kenyans, particularly Generation Z voters who gained prominence during the anti-government protests of June 2024.

The former Chief Justice, globally known for annulling the 2017 presidential election, has yielded to growing pressure from young Kenyans who are urging him to run and usher in a “new era of integrity and reform”.

The decision to enter the race came after extensive consultations with friends and supporters, with Maraga citing concerns about the country’s direction under current leadership.

“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,” he said, referencing recent incidents during youth-led demonstrations.

Distinguished Career

David Kenani Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice between 2016 and 2021, taking over as the country’s 14th Chief Justice and the second under its new constitution after his predecessor Willy Mutunga’s early retirement.

Before joining the judiciary, Maraga practiced law privately for 25 years, specializing in civil and criminal litigation as well as conveyancing.

His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by several landmark decisions, most notably the historic annulment of the 2017 presidential election – a decision that earned him international recognition for judicial independence and courage.

Maraga’s entry into the 2027 presidential race sets up what promises to be a competitive contest against incumbent President William Ruto, who assumed office in 2022.

A section of Kenyans, led by former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, have been pushing for Maraga to throw himself into the contest to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.

The former Chief Justice’s campaign appears to be gaining momentum, with recent endorsements from various quarters including traditional leaders from his home region of Kisii County.

Reform Agenda

Maraga’s campaign platform appears centered on constitutional restoration, professional governance, and youth empowerment.

His background in the judiciary and reputation for integrity position him as a reformist candidate appealing to voters seeking change from conventional political practices.

The emphasis on clean campaigning and public funding represents a test of whether Kenyan voters are ready for a different style of politics – one based on merit, issues, and integrity rather than ethnic loyalty and monetary inducements.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Maraga’s unique approach to campaign financing and his call for issue-based politics could reshape the political discourse in Kenya, particularly if other candidates follow his lead in rejecting vote-buying practices.

The former Chief Justice has indicated he will formally launch his fundraising appeals “at the appropriate time,” suggesting a structured approach to his campaign financing that prioritizes transparency and public accountability.