Former Senator Mong’are backs Otieno’s proposed Maraga-Wanjigi ticket
By Aloys Michael, August 3, 2025Former Nyamira County Senator Mong’are Okong’o has thrown his weight behind constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno’s call for a new political direction, proposing a leadership team he believes could steer Kenya toward real reform.
“I support counsel Willis’ clarion call for a new Kenyan renaissance where ideas trump tribal arithmetic,” the former senator said in a statement on his X released Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Echoing Otieno’s push for systemic change, the former senator outlined a bold proposal featuring former Chief Justice David Maraga as president, calling him a symbol of integrity. He suggested Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi as deputy president, describing him as a financial sage, a bridge between boardrooms and grassroots.”
He also recommended Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah as Treasury Cabinet Secretary, stating, “a watchdog turned gatekeeper then and only then can we speak of mambo mapya (New things).
He emphasised that meaningful change would not come from slogans or recycled politicians, but from “statesmen with spines and substance.”
His remarks add to growing calls for a political reboot ahead of the 2027 general elections, aligning with Otieno’s view that Kenya needs new names, new values, and a new direction to overcome entrenched corruption and tribal-based politics.
Change political cycle?
Otieno called on Kenyans to abandon entrenched political traditions and embrace bold reforms, warning that merely changing leaders without dismantling the current political system is futile.
In a statement on his X account on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Otieno said that Kenya’s chronic governance challenges stem not from individual politicians, but from a system that perpetuates impunity and rewards mediocrity.
“If we truly want a better Kenya. We must dare to try something different. Real change means breaking political tradition,” the statement read.
Otieno urged Kenyans must stop expecting transformation from leaders who are products of a flawed status quo.
“Kenya won’t fix itself by repeating the same failures. Change won’t come from comfort zones. It starts with daring to believe Kenya can be better and acting like it,” he warned.
The lawyer, known for his work on electoral justice and constitutionalism, challenged citizens to demand more than cosmetic changes.
“It’s not just about replacing leaders. It’s about replacing the system that breeds impunity,” he emphasised.
Otieno called for a new generation of leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and people-centred governance.
“New names. New values. New direction,” he urged, signalling the need for both a cultural and institutional reboot.
“The reality is brutal: you’re educated but jobless. You’re trying to build a life in a country that gives you no room to stand, let alone grow. Every opportunity feels locked behind tribal politics, connections, or corruption.”