Kenyans fund Maraga's 2027 presidential bid with half a million in 48 hours

Former Chief Justice David Maraga and Reuben Kigame at Kahawa Law Courts on July 16, 2025. [Chebet Berir, Standard]

Former Chief Justice David Maraga says Kenyans have given more than Sh 500,000 within two days to fuel his 2027 presidential bid, a move he says shows a growing public hunger for change.
Maraga, who in 2017 led the Supreme Court in nullifying former President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election over irregularities following a petition by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, says he launched a website to collect public donations as he seeks to challenge President William Ruto in the next general election.
"I told you that I don't have money and I am going to appeal, I mean, I am already appealing to the Kenyan people," noted Maraga.
Maraga explains that contributions, including dollars from Kenyans abroad, show frustration with the country's leadership and support for his candidacy.
"Those in the diaspora are putting dollars so that tells you that the Kenyans want change," observed Maraga.
The former chief justice points out that he wants to reform Kenya's electoral system to allow individuals without financial resources to run for public office, noting that the current system locks out qualified candidates who cannot match big campaign budgets.
"Given an opportunity, that's one area I am going to address so that young people who have no money, ladies who have no money, anybody else who has no money but has leadership qualities can come and be elected," explained Maraga.
Maraga has criticised Ruto's administration, claiming it has undermined constitutional governance by failing to protect Kenyans' rights.
"The president is terrorising his own people," stated Maraga.
He notes that Parliament has failed to hold the president accountable, accusing it of being captured by the executive and failing to exercise its oversight role.
"Parliament is supposed to take action when the president is violating the constitution and impeach him," argued Maraga.

Maraga says his decision to run in 2027 aims to restore constitutional order and protect the rights of Kenyans, adding that the country's democratic processes have weakened under the current administration.
"Now Parliament is not doing it and that's why I have come up and I have support to remove him in 2027," he noted..