By Siruel Ong’era
Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has vowed to end impunity and state capture if elected president in 2027, accusing the administration of President William Ruto of failing to protect public institutions and the rights of citizens.
Speaking at the United Green Movement (UGM) National Governing Council meeting at Merica Hotel in Nakuru, Maraga said Kenya does not lack laws but leaders willing to enforce the Constitution.
He said the country urgently needs radical change to restore accountability, protect public resources and rebuild public trust.
“Kenyans are hurting,” he said, adding that the next government must be anchored in integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Maraga said an administration under his leadership would prioritise the independence of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) within its first ten days in office, rather than waiting for the traditional 100-day marker.
He pledged that public officials found guilty of corruption would face the law, positioning the fight against graft as a central pillar of his presidential campaign.
“We only need to follow the Constitution,” Maraga said, arguing that Kenya already has sufficient legal frameworks to confront corruption, abuse of office and state capture.
The former Chief Justice defended his public-service record, citing his 2005 ruling in a case involving 5,000 tonnes of imported sugar detained at the Port of Mombasa.
He said he found that the Kenya Revenue Authority had acted dishonestly and ordered the release of the consignment without customs and warehouse charges.
Maraga also dismissed corruption allegations raised during his 2012 vetting by the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board, saying he declared under oath that he had never taken a bribe.
The board found him suitable to continue serving in the Judiciary.
He condemned the use of state force against civilians, questioning how a government could claim to uphold the rule of law while shooting the people it was elected to serve.
He called for respect for human dignity, constitutional rights and accountability through due process.
Maraga told UGM leaders that restoring independent institutions is essential to ending impunity and ensuring that public office serves the people rather than personal interests.
“I am ready. Let us work and win this election,” he said.
