Maraga sets sights on State House with ‘reset, restore and rebuild’ pledge

Retired Chief Justice David Maraga during the burial of Maraga’s sister, Mama Safina Nyaboe Otiambo, at Nyairobi Village, Kipkelion Sub-County, Kericho County./HANDOUT

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has pledged to make constitutionalism, integrity and accountability central to his 2027 presidential bid, promising to uphold the law, fight corruption and protect public funds.

Maraga said his vision was to “reset, restore and rebuild” Kenya, with a government that respects the Constitution and the courts while ensuring public services are delivered without favouritism.

He spoke at Nyairobi Village in Kipkelion, Kericho County, during the burial of his 107-year-old sister, Mama Safina Nyaboe Otiambo.

Maraga described Otiambo as a close confidant and thanked the Catholic Church, funeral committee, her children and the wider family for supporting them during the period of mourning.

“I have not only lost a sister, but a close confidant,” he said.

Turning to his political ambitions, Maraga said no one, including the president, should be above the law. He pledged to ensure that people who claim close ties to the head of state would not escape accountability.

He also said his family would not trade or work with the government.

Maraga identified education, youth, innovation and technology, justice, integrity and inclusive development among the pillars of his campaign.

Healthcare also featured in his pledges, with the former Chief Justice promising to prioritise access to treatment and ensure dispensaries have adequate medicine.

He further pointed to the challenges Kenyans living abroad face when accessing public services, including passport processing, saying services should work without the need for personal connections.

His remarks placed constitutionalism and accountability at the centre of his pitch ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The burial also drew calls for unity and peaceful political competition from leaders who attended or sent messages.

Former East African Legislative Assembly MP Kiangoi Ombasa urged Kenyans to remain united and maintain peace during political contests.

A message delivered on behalf of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka remembered Otiambo as a hardworking farmer and devoted Catholic.

United Green Movement Secretary-General Katto Wambua also called for unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Party co-leader Neto Agostinho urged presidential aspirants to compete on the basis of ideas and called on Kenyans to maintain peace.Former Ndhiwa MP and UGM Co-Party Leader Hon. Neto Agostinho, former EALA MP Hon. Kiangoi Ombasa, retired Chief Justice David Maraga and his wife Madam Eucabeth Kenani, follow proceedings during the burial of Maraga’s sister, Mama Safina Nyaboe Otiambo, at Nyairobi Village, Kipkelion Sub-County, Kericho County./HANDOUTRetired Chief Justice David Maraga, family and friends during the burial of Maraga’s sister, Mama Safina Nyaboe Otiambo, at Nyairobi Village, Kipkelion Sub-County, Kericho County./HANDOUTRetired Chief Justice David Maraga during the burial of Maraga’s sister, Mama Safina Nyaboe Otiambo, at Nyairobi Village, Kipkelion Sub-County, Kericho County./HANDOUT