Maraga: Youth and women deserve equal seats in leadership
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has renewed his call for full inclusion of youth and women in Kenyan politics, saying the country cannot achieve meaningful development or constitutional democracy without their active participation.
In a statement on his X account on Friday, August 22, 2025, after the closing ceremony of a regional workshop organised by the United Green Movement Party for its county leaders from Machakos, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Narok, and Nakuru, Maraga emphasised the critical role of young people and women in shaping Kenya’s political and economic future.
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“With women and youth forming more than half of Kenya’s population, they must be on the table as elected and appointed leaders in accordance with our Katiba,” He wrote.
Maraga, known for his firm stand on constitutionalism during his tenure as Chief Justice, reminded participants that his 2020 advisory to the President to dissolve Parliament for failing to implement the two-thirds gender rule still holds weight.
“I reminded the participants that my advice to the President to dissolve Parliament for failing to comply with the requirement to legislate for the two-thirds gender rule under Article 27(8) of the Constitution still stands,” the statement read.
He expressed concern that the exclusion of youth and women from key decision-making spaces is not just a political misstep but a constitutional failure that continues to hinder inclusive governance.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Maraga offered a glimpse into his vision for leadership, one anchored in constitutional fidelity and inclusive governance.
“I assured the participants that when elected President in 2027, I will uphold the gender parity provisions in fulfilment of both my political philosophy and ideology of Ukatiba, constitutionalism,” he stated.
The soft-spoken former CJ, who has recently signalled deeper interest in politics, is positioning himself as a principled alternative in the race for State House, one who promises to put the Constitution at the heart of governance and representation.
Already, the legal veteran has declared his intentions to vie for president in the 2027 general polls, beefing up his bid ahead of the campaign period.
