'We're losing the country': Maraga lays out why he wants the top job

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has declared he will run for president in 2027, citing a collapse of the rule of law, widespread police killings and entrenched impunity as reasons for his decision.

He directly linked his move to the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under contested circumstances.

His announcement comes as public anger continues to grow over Ojwang’s death, with nationwide protests planned for June 25.

“This has come as a result of what has happened in the country. To see our young people handled the way they have been is worrying,” Maraga noted during an interview on a local television station.  

“After serious reflection and consultations, I decided it’s time we think about the leadership of this country. We can’t let a few people take Kenya to the dogs,” he added.

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Boniface Kariuki, another victim, was reportedly unarmed and selling face masks when he was boxed by police and shot.

Maraga described the incident as “heartbreaking” and said such brutality reflects a dangerous level of impunity.

“This is a day to reflect on what human life means in a nation where a culture of impunity has taken root,” he pointed out, adding,  “Those in authority think they can kill our children like rats and treat public resources as their property.”

Maraga said he and his family support the Gen Z-led protests and confirmed he will participate in them to demand accountability for police killings and to defend constitutional rights.

“I will be offering my solidarity by joining freedom of assembly events on June 25,” he told journalists in a previous press conference.

The former chief justice also vowed to initiate private prosecutions against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin if no legal action is taken by June 30.

“The contradictory statements issued in recent days point to a coordinated cover-up. This was a gruesome murder by those entrusted with maintaining law and order,” Maraga asserted.

Lagat, linked to the murder of Ojwang, has since stepped down to facilitate investigations.

Maraga accused the top police leadership of lying under oath and attempting to obstruct justice in the Ojwang case.

He also backed a petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts that seeks to bar Lagat from accessing his office while investigations continue.

Maraga said a future presidency under his leadership would be grounded in constitutionalism and respect for the law.

“With humility, if Kenyans give me the opportunity, I will be firm and ensure we are an orderly country,” he stated.

 “I will lead by obeying the law myself. Without that, we will lose our country. I think we are in that moment where we need a courageous person to do that.”

He rejected the idea that ethnicity should determine political support, arguing that Kenya must abandon identity-based politics if it is to solve its governance crisis.

“This politics of ethnicity is what has brought us here. We have reached a point where it cannot continue,” he explained, adding, “Even without money, you can still be elected president. I will appeal to Kenyans at the right time to crowd fund my campaign.”

Maraga acknowledged that powerful political forces and entrenched interests will oppose his bid, but expressed confidence in public support.

“I’m not naïve. I know I’ll be up against those who want to maintain the status quo and keep looting public resources,” he observed.

“But I trust Kenyans. If they have confidence in me, we can defeat those forces,” he added.