Ex-CJ Maraga settles on UGM Party for 2027 Showdown with Ruto

Former Chief Justice David Maraga will run on the United Green Movement ticket in bid to unseat President William Ruto.

UGM is a party associated with former Ndhiwa MP Agostinho Neto.

The party on Thursday announced the former Chief Justice has finally joined the outfit and will use it as his 2027 political vehicle.

“In line with our party’s constitution, our relevant party organs—the Founders Forum, the National Executive Committee and the National Governing Convention—recently decided to admit to its membership David Maraga, the Chief Justice emeritus,” the party said in a statement.

“In addition, in line with the resolutions of our relevant party organs, we have approved him as our 2027 presidential flag-bearer. We believe as a party that he embodies what it takes to reset, restore and rebuild Kenya.”

The statement was co-signed by UGM co-secretary generals Sialo Tasur and Katto Wambua.

Maraga now joins the growing list of bigwigs who have declared political contest with Ruto, injecting fresh dynamics into an already charged race.

Other leaders who have declared interest in unseating Ruto include DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), PLP's Martha Karua and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.

His move also threatens to fragment the opposition vote, particularly among leaders yet to coalesce around a single flag-bearer.

Maraga has in the recent months held a series of quiet consultations with religious leaders, civil society, and professionals and youths.

He has also been at the forefront in calling out the Kenya Kwanza administration for some of its policies and the way it has handled certain issues that affect the republic.

As 2027 looms, UGM is expected to undergo rapid reorganisation, with Maraga projected to take the party leadership formally in the coming months.

The announcement marks the beginning of a high-stakes political journey that could redefine the country’s electoral map and test the appetite of Kenyans for a value-driven alternative.

Speaking on Thursday, Maraga vowed to popularise and strengthen the party across the country.

In a recent interview, he said he made the decision to go for the presidency after consultations with various people, including friends.

He said it is not right to allow people in leadership to leave the country in the poor state it is in.

“After discussion with friends and others and after serious reflection, I thought it is time we think about the leadership of this country. We can’t let some people literally throw our country to the dogs," Maraga said.

“We need to think about that seriously, and it is as a result of that reflection that I have made up my mind that I will run for the presidency in 2027.”

He claimed most of Kenya’s problems are self-inflicted, largely due to rampant theft of public resources by a few individuals who have enriched themselves at the nation's expense.

Maraga said his first priority would be to end the widespread impunity surrounding the theft of public funds.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The former CJ’s entry into the political ring is expected to rattle established formations, with analysts predicting that his candidacy could galvanise faith-based constituencies and sections of the middle class disillusioned with mainstream politics.