David Maraga: My Presidential Campaign Will Be Funded by the People
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has announced plans to run a “Wanjiku-funded” presidential campaign, signalling a bold break from Kenya’s typical big-money political playbook. In a recent interview with Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, Maraga revealed that his bid for the presidency in the 2027 general election will largely depend on small donations from ordinary citizens—some as little as Ksh.50.
“I’m confident that Kenyans, having gone through so much hardship, will willingly contribute. Whether it’s Ksh.50, Ksh.100—we’ll pool it together,” Maraga said, adding that he intends to personally contribute a modest sum of between Ksh.1 million and Ksh.2 million from his own savings.
“We will need a substantial amount of money to run a national campaign, but I don’t have much. I’ll put in what I can—then appeal to Kenyans to fund the rest. And if we collect more than needed, the surplus will go toward a public cause,” he affirmed.
A Different Kind of Presidency
Maraga’s approach is rooted in the idea of a presidency funded by the people and for the people, an ethos he says will define both his campaign and his future government. The former CJ, who served from 2016 to 2021 and is remembered for his bold decision to nullify the 2017 presidential election, framed his political entry as a necessary response to growing public frustration with poor governance.
He sharply criticized President William Ruto’s administration, citing a “lack of competency” and growing impunity among public officials. Maraga vowed that if elected, his administration would be fundamentally different—defined by meritocracy, accountability, and a strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Many people in government positions today are poorly qualified,” he said. “They are not there to serve but to enrich themselves and those who helped place them in power. That will not happen under my leadership. Competent people will be allowed to do their jobs without interference.”
He added: “Impunity has reached its peak. In my administration, the law will be obeyed by all, starting with me.”
On Dialogue, Protests, and the Youth
Maraga also commented on the recent anti-government protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists and the broader youth population. He stated that his administration would prioritize people-centered dialogue over state crackdowns, and stressed the importance of engaging with the root causes of public dissent.
“I would have approached the demonstrations through structured, inclusive dialogue—not with brute force. We must listen to the frustrations of young people. They are not just angry; they’re demanding dignity, opportunity, and justice,” he said.
In a subtle critique of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s proposal for a national conclave, Maraga rejected elite-driven forums in favor of grassroots participation.
“We’ve had dialogues in the past that failed because they didn’t go deep enough. Telling people the government will set the agenda? That’s laughable. The process must be people-driven, not guided by a few political elites jostling for power.”
Maraga disclosed that he has already begun speaking with professionals, civil society actors, and youth leaders about forming a national framework for inclusive dialogue, focused on lasting solutions rather than political survival.
The Bigger Picture
Maraga’s candidacy marks a potentially transformative moment in Kenyan politics. As a former Chief Justice known for integrity and independence, his entrance into the political arena—especially on a platform of citizen empowerment and clean funding—poses a significant challenge to Kenya’s deeply entrenched political culture.
His campaign, if sustained and supported, could usher in a model of grassroots, transparent politics that reshapes not only electoral financing, but also governance standards in the country.