Mombasa Youths Stranded After Maraga Refuses to Give Fare, Student Leaders Left Devastated

Mombasa, Kenya — Former Chief Justice and 2027 presidential aspirant David Maraga sparked mixed reactions on Friday after he declined to provide transport money to dozens of youths and students who had attended his consultative meeting in Mombasa.

The gathering, which had drawn university students and young people mobilized by student leaders, was part of Mr Maraga’s tour of the Coast region as he seeks to popularize his presidential bid.

But what began as an enthusiastic engagement ended in disappointment when attendees realized the former CJ would not offer them what they termed “mchongo”—a common slang for cash handouts or fare refunds.

“When we heard you were coming, we rushed here thinking the former Chief Justice would at least consider us. Some of us don’t even have fare to go back home,” said Obiero Otonda, a student leader, to loud cheers from his peers.

In response, Mr Maraga stood firm, stating that while he appreciated their turnout, he would not give them transport money.

“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, I would have considered it since you came to meet me. But I will not dish out handouts to gain support,” he said.

He further explained that his presidential campaign would be run differently, free of the entrenched culture of political bribery.

“Even if I raised ten times my target for this campaign, I would not use it to give out money like the Sh10,000 you hear some Kenyans are given at State House. That is not sustainable leadership,” Maraga added.

Some student leaders expressed frustration, insisting their appeal was not about political handouts but genuine facilitation to get students back home.

“Some of us even paid for students to come for this meeting. This is not bribery; it was just to ensure comrades were present. We misunderstood him to mean he refused because of his Christian principles,” Mr Otonda clarified.

As murmurs of discontent grew, human rights activist Shakira Wafula, who accompanied Mr Maraga, stepped in to calm the situation.

“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 stay focused on the bigger picture of Mr Maraga’s presidential vision,” she said.

The incident highlighted the growing tension between young voters’ expectations and politicians’ promises to break away from Kenya’s entrenched money-for-support political culture.