Maraga reveals why he has decided to run for president
By Arnold Ngure, July 15, 2025Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has revealed why he decided to run for president in the upcoming 2022 general elections.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Maraga indicated that the agitation of the youth for their voices to be heard pushed him to seek to address their concerns.
“Last year in June, I was watching what was happening in the country, and I was troubled. On June 25, 2024, I was shocked at what I saw, just like every other Kenyan. The young people were killed for expressing themselves in the streets,” Maraga stated.
Interests of the youth
“Why were they going to the streets? Because nobody cares about their interests. So, when I saw that, somebody asked me whether I thought of running for a political seat, and I said no.”
“I said to him that I have never been a politician, and I understand that if you need to contest for a presidential position, you need at least Ksh10 billion,” the former Chief Justice noted.
“When the conversation went on and a few more people talked about it, I wondered whether there was anything I could do. We talked, and after consultation with my family and friends, and prayerfully reflecting on the issue, I decided to put in my bid.”
Miguna endorses Maraga
While a section of the youth believes that the former President of the Judiciary could turn around the country’s trajectory, which they say is headed in the wrong direction, Maraga may face seasoned politicians in a political duel.
In a surprising turn of events, Toronto-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna on Sunday, July 13, 2025, threw his weight behind Maraga, solidifying his aspiration for the country’s top job.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Miguna hailed Maraga’s integrity, judicial record, and independence, positioning him as a refreshing alternative to Kenya’s traditional political elite.
He said Maraga’s non-alignment with political dynasties or the oligarchic class sets him apart in a political landscape often marked by patronage, corruption, and impunity.
He, however, noted that while he supports Maraga’s candidacy in principle, he is waiting for the former CJ to articulate a clear vision for the country
“David Maraga is a good candidate, he represents a break from the past, he is not one of the oligarchs, but to the extent that he has not unveiled his manifesto, I have not spoken with him, I cannot say anything beyond that. He opposed the violations of human rights that occurred in 2018 and 2022, including the ones that occurred against me,” Miguna Miguna stated.