Maraga Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, To Run On UGM Ticket

Former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga has officially declared his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, announcing that he will run on the United Green Movement (UGM) ticket.

The declaration, made Thursday at the party’s Green Action House headquarters in Nairobi, marks Maraga’s dramatic shift from the bench to active politics after years of serving in the judiciary, where he is best remembered for annulling the 2017 presidential election.

Flanked by UGM leaders and supporters, Maraga received the party’s colours and unveiled his political vision, anchored on the rule of law, human rights, and democratic governance.

“I accepted the call to join this party because it aligns with my personal principles and ideologies on a wide range of matters. This includes matters on the rule of law, respect for human rights and democratic governance, among others,” he said.

UGM co-founder and former Ndhiwa MP Neto Agostinho hands David Maraga the party’s flag.

“I have committed to building and restoring the dignity of Kenyans as well as protecting our human rights.”

UGM, co-founded by former Ndhiwa MP Neto Agostinho after his departure from ODM, has recently sought to reposition itself as a progressive movement appealing to young voters and reform-minded citizens.

Maraga’s entry is expected to give the party a high-profile candidate with a clean public image and strong name recognition.

The former CJ has in recent months increased his political visibility, attending rallies and grassroots events organised by UGM, with particular emphasis on engaging Gen Z voters.

At a June event in Kwale, where the party launched its county office, Maraga urged young people to embrace political leadership, declaring them the “drivers of Kenya’s future.”

On campaign financing, Maraga said his presidential run would rely on contributions from supporters while committing to inject between Sh1 million and Sh2 million of his personal resources.

The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with some welcoming his transparency and others questioning the sufficiency of grassroots fundraising in a competitive race.

Maraga also addressed remarks made by President William Ruto, who had accused him of branding Kenya a failed state.

He clarified that his statement had been misrepresented. “The President distorted what I said. I didn’t say Kenya is a failed state. I said that Kenya is sliding toward being a failed state based on what happened during the Gen Z protests,” he explained.

With his candidacy, Maraga joins a growing list of political heavyweights and newcomers positioning themselves for the succession battle as President Ruto’s first term draws to a close.

His campaign is expected to test whether a former head of the judiciary can successfully transition into Kenya’s fiercely competitive political arena.