Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has embarked on a three-day public engagement drive in Kwale county as he seeks to consolidate support for his 2027 presidential bid.
The busy schedule comes days after his arrival in the country from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania where he observed the formal reading of charges by the Prosecution against leader of main opposition party, CHADEMA, Tundu Lissu.
A statement dated May 20 by the Maraga '27 Presidential Campaign Secretariat says the public engagements are part of his consultations on resetting Kenya to the rule of law, rebuilding the economy and restoring dignity and humanity.
"During this visit, he will hold meetings in Matuga and Lunga Lunga constituencies on May 23; Kinango constituency on May 24 and Msambweni and Matuga constituencies on May 25," the secretariat said.
It added that the ex-CJ will also hold a press engagement during the visit.
On March 30, Maraga publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027 and emphasised his readiness to initiate change.
He dismissed claims that he is a government project and reaffirmed his candidacy as one committed to integrity and the rule of law.
Maraga's campaign has garnered support from various quarters, including Gen Z activists and a section of political and religious leaders from Kisii county, citing his clean track record.
The former CJ has consistently identified corruption as Kenya's foremost challenge.
At a town hall in Dandora on May 5, 2025, he asserted, "We are here as a country because of the theft of public funds. If we stop that, you won't see doctors and teachers protesting on the streets."
Earlier, at the People Dialogue Festival on March 6, he remarked, "If I were given the privilege to govern this country, I would ensure that everyone obeys the law. The moment we achieve this, everything else will fall into place."
Political analysts have opined that Maraga's appeal lies in his reputation for upholding the constitution and his stance against corruption.
However, they also point out challenges, such as his lack of political experience and the need to build broad-based coalitions to secure electoral success.
Maraga has emerged largely as a lone wolf who's ready to take on seasoned political heavyweights, including incumbent President William Ruto, at the 2027 polls.
While other opposition presidential hopefuls have given all indications of coalescing with the sole purpose of making Ruto a one-term president, Maraga appears to have given the unity faction comprising former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua a wide berth.
Instead, Maraga has initiated nationwide consultations, engaging with citizens to shape his campaign platform.
He has emphasised the importance of youth participation in governance in an apparent strategic move to ride on the wave of faith the Gen Z have placed in him, to ride the tide and secure victory in 2027.
"A good leader understands that they will not be in power forever. Knowing this, they must equip young people with skills and allow them to participate in development."
On May 15, he met a group calling themselves Tribeless Youth in Nakuru, where he said he listened carefully to their concerns on extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances of young people, lack of jobs, capital and poor public services.
"I was inspired by their insightful contributions on the kind of leadership they want for Kenya, grounded in the rule of law, integrity and accountability," he said.
