Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged Kenyans to unite behind the opposition in the 2027 General Election, saying the country has an opportunity to choose between continued rule by the current administration.
Maraga said the next election should be treated as a defining moment for Kenyans seeking political and economic change, urging opposition parties to put aside their differences and work together to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
He spoke during the launch of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM), a new political party led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
“My message to Kenyans is simple. We have an opportunity to change our situation,” Maraga said.
He said voters would have to choose between maintaining the existing political order and embracing a different model of governance.
“We have a chance to choose between a country led by the usual political cartels or a new country governed by the rule of law and meritocracy. The choice, fellow Kenyans, is yours,” he said.
Maraga called on opposition leaders to work together and avoid divisions that could weaken their efforts to mount a formidable challenge in the 2027 presidential election.
“Once again, colleagues, we cannot let Kenyans down. We must come together and work together as united opposition,” he said.
The UGM party presidential candidate said a united opposition would stand a better chance of defeating the Kenya Kwanza administration at the ballot.
“We will be able to get this regime home,” he said.
Maraga described the 2027 polls as an “ukombozi election”, urging Kenyans to take responsibility for determining the country’s political direction.
“It is important that we all bear in mind that the election next year is an ukombozi election. We must liberate ourselves. It cannot be done by anybody. We must liberate ourselves,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and vote as a bloc, saying the responsibility for changing the country’s leadership ultimately rested with citizens.
“So I want to call upon all Kenyans to come out in great numbers and vote together,” Maraga said.
His remarks came as opposition parties continue efforts to establish a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the question of whether they can agree on a single presidential candidate remaining a key issue.
Maraga also congratulated Amisi for establishing PM and welcomed the party into the opposition movement.
“Once again, Hon Amisi, we want to congratulate you for this milestone. We want to welcome your party to the group of opposition parties and say it is time for ukombozi,” he said.
He concluded with a direct political appeal to voters, saying: “It is time to send Ruto home.”
The former CJ’s remarks add to growing calls among opposition figures for greater unity as political parties position themselves for the 2027 contest.
Several politicians led by PLP leader Martha Karua, DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala and Raphael Tuju were present.
Zimbabwean MP Richard Tsvangirai, the son of the late Morgan Tsvangirai was the chief guest during the event.
