Former Chief Justice David Maraga during the funeral of George Morara Ongenyo Mogeni in Kerumbe Village, North Mugirango, Nyamira County/HANDOUTFormer Chief Justice David Maraga has said opposition leaders will settle on a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, insisting that Kenyans will decide who flies their flag.
Maraga, a co-party leader of the United Green Movement (UGM), said the candidate would be presented to Kenyans at the right time, with the electorate having the final say rather than political elites.
“Kenyans will decide who will be the flag bearer,” he said.
He spoke on Friday during the funeral of George Morara Ongenyo Mogeni in Kerumbe Village, North Mugirango, Nyamira County, where he condoled with Mama Dorcas and the bereaved family.
Maraga urged Kenyans to treat the 2027 election as a referendum on what he described as corruption, failing public services and the use of public resources.
“Our people of Kisii, Nyamira and Kenya at large, the upcoming 2027 election is between Ruto and Kenyans,” he said.
He attributed the country's challenges to what he described as weak leadership, impunity and wasteful spending, pledging to uphold constitutionalism, integrity, accountability and the rule of law if elected president.
“In my government, all must obey the law. I will not entertain corruption,” Maraga declared, adding that he had never been involved in corruption.
He also urged Kenyans to reject political bribery and ethnic mobilisation ahead of the election, warning against voting based on handouts.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga during the funeral of George Morara Ongenyo Mogeni in Kerumbe Village, North Mugirango, Nyamira County/HANDOUT
Maraga also criticised the ongoing university lecturers' strike, saying the education of Kenyan children could not wait.
He claimed education had been left “in shambles” and called for greater investment in classrooms, universities and young people’s futures.
He questioned reports that the delegation to the United Nations General Assembly included nearly 100 people, among them seven Cabinet Secretaries, at an estimated cost of about Sh500 million.
The figure was based on media reports and insider estimates, while the government had not released an official cost breakdown.
“Do not sit aside and re-elect (the same leaders),” Maraga said, urging Kenyans to demand accountability and better public services.
Sunlita Kwamboka Mogeni (centre), last-born sister of the late George Morara Ongenyo Mogeni, stands with family members during his funeral in Kerumbe Village, North Mugirango, Nyamira County./HANDOUT
