Maraga Explains Why He Hasn’t Campaigned in Kisii Despite 2027 Bid
Chief Justice Emeritus and presidential candidate David Maraga has dismissed calls from Kenyans who argue that he should focus on gaining support from his home counties, Kisii and Nyamira.
During a Sunday night interview with KTN News, Maraga described such demands as tribal politics, stressing that he would fight this culture if elected as Kenya’s sixth president.
He warned that ethnic balkanisation has denied Kenya visionary leaders since many citizens still vote based on tribe rather than development or leadership qualities.
“Some people are saying I should go to Kisii and Nyamira and get the support from them. That is one of the things that I’m going to fight. This ethnic Balkanisation is what is creating huge problems,” he stated.
“People are being elected on the basis of their ethnicity. Issues like quality, competency or development agenda one has in mind are not considered.”
Maraga emphasized that his political base is not limited to one region but the whole of Kenya. He said he will campaign on issues and policies rather than tribal loyalty.
ALSO READ:
- Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
- Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
- African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
- “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
- Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm
The former Chief Justice also expressed optimism that Kenyans are ready to abandon ethnic politics.
“A time has come. I call it a critical juncture in the history of our country that we have said we cannot have this anymore and let us elect people based on their track record and their competence to serve the whole nation,” he declared.
“If I’m elected, I come from the Kisii community, but the Kisii community alone cannot elect me to the presidency. I will need the support of the whole country.”
Since announcing his presidential ambition, Maraga has faced pressure from some Kisii politicians to back his tribesman, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Matiang’i, currently associated with the United Opposition and supported by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, is also believed to enjoy backing from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party. He left his World Bank job in Latin America to run for the presidency.
Maraga Explains Why He Hasn’t Campaigned in Kisii Despite 2027 Bid
