Former Chief Justice David Maraga has officially declared his entry into the 2027 presidential race under the United Green Movement (UGM) party, marking a significant shift from his judicial career to active politics.
The announcement was made in Nairobi during a UGM delegates’ meeting, where Maraga was unveiled as the party’s presidential candidate. Delegates also endorsed him as a founding member of the movement, cementing his role within the party’s leadership.
Maraga explained that his decision followed careful reflection on Kenya’s political landscape and the values espoused by different parties. According to him, the UGM platform best resonated with his vision for the country—one grounded in the rule of law, constitutionalism, and integrity in governance. He vowed to provide an alternative to President William Ruto’s administration, stressing that his government would prioritize fairness and service to all Kenyans.
“I intend to reset Kenya’s governance system and ensure every citizen feels represented and protected,” he said during the event. He further pledged to mobilize support nationwide, strengthen UGM’s grassroots structures, and push for electoral victories at both national and county levels.
UGM co-leader and former Ndhiwa MP Agostinho Neto welcomed Maraga’s endorsement as a turning point for the party. Neto described the 2027 general election as a “liberation exercise” for Kenyans and praised Maraga’s leadership credentials. While the preselection was celebrated, Neto clarified that Maraga’s nomination would be formally ratified at a forthcoming national delegates conference.
Political analysts view Maraga’s candidacy as a unique development, given his reputation as a jurist who defended constitutionalism during his tenure as Chief Justice. His entrance into the race introduces a judicial heavyweight into a political field that already includes figures such as Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa.
Observers note that UGM, a relatively young party, could leverage Maraga’s stature and credibility to appeal to reform-minded voters and younger demographics, especially the Gen Z population that has been increasingly vocal in political debates. Maraga himself has signaled his intention to focus on young people, describing them as the future drivers of Kenya’s governance.
Since retiring from the judiciary, Maraga had largely maintained a low profile, avoiding overt political involvement. However, in mid-2025, he declared his intention to run for the presidency, a decision that drew both support and skepticism. His official unveiling by UGM now formalizes his bid and sets the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest in 2027.
With his new political platform, Maraga joins a growing list of opposition figures seeking to challenge the incumbent administration. Whether his judicial background and reputation for upholding constitutional order will translate into widespread electoral support remains to be seen.
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