Former Chief Justice David Maraga has addressed growing calls from Gen Z and other stakeholders urging him to vie for the presidency in the upcoming elections. Speaking at a public lecture at Rongo University in Migori County, Maraga confirmed that he is consulting widely before making a final decision.
“The request has been made; I am discussing it with various stakeholders. I will make a final decision, and when the time comes, we will see whether or not we will do that,” Maraga stated.
Maraga, who served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, emphasized the weight of responsibility that comes with holding an elective office. He underscored the importance of leadership rooted in service, accountability, and integrity.
He expressed his readiness to serve, drawing from his experience at the helm of the Judiciary. “I was head of one arm of government. There is no magic about being a head of another arm of government,” he said, suggesting that his tenure as Chief Justice has prepared him for leadership at a higher level.
Maraga pinpointed corruption as Kenya’s most significant challenge, describing it as both budgeted and institutionalized. He lamented that corruption continues to deprive the country of essential resources needed to address critical issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“The major problem in this country is corruption. Budgeted and institutional corruption that has not been solved effectively and as a result, the country is not able to have enough resources to deal with the issues that are there,” he observed.
Additionally, he criticized impunity in the country, citing the disregard for court orders and laws by influential individuals. He urged the nation’s leadership to actively listen to the concerns of Kenyans to ensure meaningful reforms.
Maraga also called on young people to be actively involved in governance, urging them to demand accountability from leaders. “I challenge each one of you to be champions of justice and accountability. Stand fearless against a stubborn system that lures young minds into service for political cartels,” he said.
As anticipation builds, Kenyans await Maraga’s final decision on his potential presidential candidacy, which could significantly impact the political landscape.
