Former Chief Justice David Maraga says his decision to seek the presidency in 2027 was driven by deep concern over the direction the country has taken, especially after the turmoil witnessed during the Gen Z protests in 2024.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Thursday, he said the scenes of violence, disregard for the law, and growing public frustration pushed him to step forward, even though he has never been involved in active politics.
He recalled the shock he felt when young people were killed, and others kidnapped during the demonstrations, describing the moment he watched clips of youths being shot outside Parliament.
Maraga said those events marked a turning point for him, raising questions about the country’s future and the safety of its citizens.
“When I looked at that, I got horrified, and I was fearful, and I was asking myself, what is happening in our country?” he said.
According to the former Chief Justice, those incidents sparked conversations among people he interacted with in the days that followed, all expressing fear that Kenya was headed down a dangerous path.
He said that during those discussions, many felt urgent action was needed to stop the country from sliding further.
Maraga later learned that some of his friends believed he should be among the people to step up and help restore order.
“I’ve not been a politician,” he told the station, adding that they insisted that leadership goes beyond politics and can come from people in other fields who have demonstrated integrity and a steady hand.
Explaining further, Maraga said the push intensified when groups of young people met him shortly after those conversations and encouraged him to run.
He said he eventually agreed because he felt the country needed a different form of leadership.
Maraga noted that the crisis did not begin in 2024 but had been building over the years due to a culture of impunity in public offices.
On October 2, 2025, Maraga formally announced that he will be seeking to succeed President William Ruto at the State House using the United Green Movement Party.
This was followed by his unveiling at the party headquarters in Nairobi, where he said he would now begin the popularisation and strengthening of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 stated at the Green Action House in Nairobi.
Going further, the former Chief Justice faulted those in power for ignoring the law and stamping on citizens’ rights, saying this has weakened public trust in institutions.
According to him, repeated cases of state officials disobeying court orders have left many Kenyans helpless, despite investing years and resources in legal processes.
He warned that a country where citizens cannot rely on the law risks descending into violence.
“If you go to court, and you get court orders and you are not being given any remedy, you will resort to violence,” Maraga said.
The presidential hopeful also expressed concern over corruption, saying it has reached levels he has never seen before.
He said public money is being looted “left right and center”, leaving the country unable to run essential services and forcing it to depend heavily on borrowing.
Maraga noted that Kenyans are now carrying the burden of servicing debt that consumes a large share of national revenue.
“I got very, very concerned, and I thought that we should do something,” he said.
Responding to claims that he lacks political experience, the former CJ dismissed the criticism as an attempt by those who fear losing power or want to maintain the current order.
He said many Kenyans are tired of the system and are calling for complete change in governance.
“Many Kenyans want fundamental change to the governance of this country,” Maraga said, adding that he intends to champion that shift if elected.
He told Radio Generation that his leadership would be anchored on obedience to the law, starting with himself.
He explained that if courts make decisions against him, he would follow the appeal process, and if the highest court confirms the ruling, he would accept it without resistance.
“I raise my hands, understand, and tell Kenyans look, this is the decision which has been taken,” Maraga stated. “Unhappy as I may be with it, I have to comply.”
