Former Chief Justice and United Green Movement, UGM, presidential aspirant David Maraga has asked Kenyans to give him five years to “fix the country” if given the top job in 2027, as he launched a sharp attack on president William Ruto’s administration and framed the next general election as a decisive moment for Kenya’s future.
In a State of the Nation address, Maraga, who has declared interest in the presidency, said Kenya was facing a governance, accountability and constitutional crisis that required urgent correction. He said the 2027 election would determine whether the country reverses what he described as growing impunity or sinks deeper into economic hardship, corruption and abuse of power.
“I just need five years, just give me five years. It has taken Ruto five years to literally demolish this country. I need five years to call this country to order, I will give Kenyans in public service freedom to work but I will demand results,” said Maraga.
Maraga said his offer to Kenyans was anchored on integrity, respect for the constitution and restoration of public trust in government. He argued that the country did not need another long list of political promises but a disciplined administration capable of restoring order in public affairs.
“We must reverse imperial presidency. You cannot run a country where you wait for the president to come as say let me build a school here. What happens to areas that he has not visited, or places where he does not have sycophants?” posed Maraga.
Maraga, who served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice, cited his public record as evidence that he could be trusted with the presidency. He said he had served in senior public office without being linked to corruption or unexplained wealth, adding that he was ready to declare his assets under oath.
Maraga challenged all presidential aspirants, including President Ruto, to make similar declarations and explain the source of everything they own. He said anyone seeking to lead the country should be prepared to submit themselves to public scrutiny before asking Kenyans for votes.
He argued that wealth declaration should not be treated as a mere legal formality but as a test of integrity for those seeking high office. According to Maraga, Kenyans have a right to know whether those asking for power have acquired their wealth lawfully.
“The president, his cabinet, top officials and corrupt business people have turned government into a business. SHA, Affordable housing, PPPs and G to G are all geared to looting public resources,” the former CJ said.
The former CJ said corruption had become one of the biggest threats to Kenya’s future, accusing those in power of presiding over a system where public resources are looted while ordinary citizens carry the burden of taxes, unemployment and poor services.
He said a Maraga administration would prioritize accountability, recover stolen public resources and ensure that public officials live within the law. He added that the fight against corruption must start from the top, with the president, cabinet and senior officials setting the example.
“In this budget, 2.3T is going to loan repayment. The Ruto regime has now resorted to securitization. That is mortgaging the future of the Kenyan youth, most who are unemployed and their consent to borrowing has not been sought,” he said.
Maraga also took aim at what he called the return of an “imperial presidency,” saying Kenya had drifted away from the spirit of the 2010 Constitution. He said the constitution was designed to limit excessive presidential power, strengthen institutions and protect citizens from arbitrary rule.
“We must reverse the imperial presidency,” he said.
He accused the current administration of weakening independent institutions, disregarding constitutional safeguards and centralizing power around the presidency. He said the country needed to restore respect for parliament, the judiciary, independent commissions and county governments.
Maraga said the presidency should not operate as if it is above the law. He said Kenya’s constitutional order requires the president to be accountable to the people, subject to checks and balances, and respectful of institutional independence.
The former Chief Justice warned that the 2027 election would be a “make or break” contest for the country. He said Kenyans must treat the vote as more than a routine political transition, arguing that the outcome would determine whether the country returns to constitutional governance or continues on what he described as a destructive path.
He said president Ruto’s re-election would be a tragedy for the country, claiming that another term for the current administration would deepen the problems facing Kenyans. He cited economic pressure, alleged corruption, weakening of institutions and public disillusionment as some of the issues that should inform the 2027 vote.
The former CJ also raised concern over national security and the integrity of Kenyan citizenship documents. He claimed that foreigners and criminals had been irregularly issued with Kenyan passports, warning that such actions compromise national security and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
He said his administration would review and revoke all passports issued illegally. Maraga argued that Kenyan citizenship and travel documents must be protected from abuse, adding that those responsible for irregular issuance should face the law.
“Foreigners and, worse still, criminals have been given our passports. We will revoke all those passports,” he said.
Maraga said his proposed five-year mandate would focus on restoring constitutional order, rebuilding public institutions, fighting corruption, protecting public resources and reviving public confidence in government.
Maraga used the address to portray himself as a clean break from traditional politics. He said Kenya does not need leaders who use public office for personal gain, but leaders who are prepared to account for their wealth, obey the law and put citizens first.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Maraga’s address signals a more confrontational phase in national politics, with governance, integrity and the limits of presidential power emerging as central issues in the contest for State House.
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