Decoy or Ruto's 2027 main opponent? Maraga's bid stirs debate

The sudden emergence of former Chief Justice David Maraga in the 2027 presidential race is poised to reshape Kenya’s political landscape.

However, questions have arisen about whether Maraga, who retired as CJ in 2021, is acting independently or is a project of influential figures seeking to influence the State House battle.

Critics have also questioned the timing of Maraga’s aggressive push for the presidency, especially as expectations grow that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i may also declare his bid.

Both Maraga and Matiang’i hail from Nyamira County, though Matiang’i’s father originally came from South Mugirango in Kisii County.

Concerns that the Gusii community cannot field two presidential candidates and still expect broad national support have triggered confusion among political elites.

Despite widespread speculation, Matiang’i has not officially announced his candidacy, although some of his allies insist that it is only a matter of time before he does.

Meanwhile, Maraga’s outreach to leaders across the country has sparked debate, with some questioning his motivations.

However, Maraga has firmly denied claims that he is a political project backed by powerful forces, asserting that his bid is genuine and inspired by young Kenyans.

 “At the end of the day, the people will decide. Just relax, wait, and in due course, you will make up your own mind about whether or not I am a state project,” he said.

Maraga's public meetings have been well secured by police officers with the retired CJ also enjoying escorts.

The former CJ has embarked on a series of nationwide consultations through town halls to gather views before making a formal launch of his bid.

On Monday, Maraga held his first consultative forum at Viongozi Centre in Nyamira County, where he engaged with community opinion leaders.

“Today, I have formally started consultations here at home to listen to the views of my people. I will be traveling across the country now that I have your blessings,” Maraga told the gathering.

However, his presidential ambitions seem to clash with a faction of political heavyweights from Gusii who are backing Matiang’i.

Leaders, including MPs from different political affiliations, have stated that the community will field only one candidate in 2027.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a known Matiang’i ally, reaffirmed that the community would rally behind the former Interior CS.

Speaking at the dedication of a multipurpose hall at Nyaburu Girls on March 29, Onyonka led a group of politicians in endorsing Matiang’i.

“As a community and as Kenyans, we have decided to establish our own political party and field our own candidate, who will negotiate with the President and other contenders. That candidate is Fred Matiang’i,” he declared.

Onyonka further stated that Matiang’i is expected to complete his assignment at the World Bank before returning to Kenya to launch his campaign.

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi also backed Matiang’i, urging Kenyans to support him based on his track record.

Speaking at the same event, Kibagendi emphasised that Matiang’i is the best candidate for the presidency.

“We have agreed as a community that we will field Matiang’i as our presidential candidate in the 2027 general election,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has thrown his support behind Maraga, describing him as the best choice for Kenya.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Havi declared that Maraga’s presidential journey had officially begun.

“The journey begins today (March 31) in Nyamira. It’s all systems go in our quest for accountability and integrity in Kenya’s leadership, with David Maraga as President come 2027,” Havi wrote.

Havi also emphasised the need for Maraga to select a credible female deputy and appoint 22 professionals to his Cabinet.

“They must be identified and selected before the election. The Constitution must count for something if real change is to be achieved,” he added.

As Maraga’s bid sparks public debate, some leaders from Kisii and Nyamira have launched an outreach campaign targeting the Gusii diaspora, urging them to support a single candidate.

Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, leader of the People’s Democratic Party, revealed that discussions are ongoing to build consensus.

“Both Maraga and Matiang’i are our sons. We will decide who will run for president in 2027 after extensive consultations. For now, our focus is on uniting our community,” Magara said in Manga, Nyamira County.

The former MP added that efforts are currently underway to consolidate the Gusii vote behind the Taifa Coalition—an alliance of Kisii-based parties—as a strategic move to strengthen their political bargaining power.