Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has vowed to end what he described as a culture of stealing Kenyans’ money if elected President in 2027.
The former CJ claims that most of Kenya’s problems are self-inflicted, largely due to rampant theft of public resources by a few individuals who have enriched themselves at the nation’s expense.
Speaking at a town hall in Nairobi’s Dandora estate on the evening of May 5, Maraga said his first priority would be to end the widespread impunity surrounding the theft of public funds.
“We are here as a country because of the theft of public funds. If we stop that, you won’t see doctors and teachers protesting on the streets. Government employees will be paid on time and our hospitals won’t lack medicine,” Maraga told Kenyans, urging them to back his bid for State House.
“If we deal with corruption, Kenya will make progress, and we shall eliminate many of the challenges we are facing.”
The ex-CJ noted that the theft of public funds has crippled services in key sectors like healthcare, where hospitals often lack even basic drugs.
“In this country, money is allocated in the budget, but when you look around at what that money has accomplished, you have to ask yourself whether it was put to good use,” he said.
“It’s because of the theft of public resources that we don’t even have basic drugs like painkillers in public hospitals.”
Maraga has been ramping up his campaign for the country’s top seat, traversing various regions and holding targeted meetings as part of his efforts to build support.
He has also been engaging with young people in town halls, positioning himself as the country’s best hope ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Dandora town hall was organised by the Social Justice Centres Working Group, providing Maraga an opportunity to listen to Kenyans on how to “reset Kenya to the rule of law, rebuild the economy, and restore hope.”
On May 4, Maraga also participated in a discussion on X Spaces, where he urged young people to register as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Maraga’s bid faces a major test, as the country’s political heavyweights continue to push their campaigns to capture the presidency.
In his Gusii backyard, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is seeking the opposition ticket to challenge President William Ruto.
by JAMES MBAKA
