Former Chief Justice David Maraga has intensified his campaign for the presidency, making a passionate appeal to the residents of Samburu to vote for integrity.

In a tour that is quickly gaining momentum across the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), Maraga pitched himself as the "antidote to impunity." Addressing a large crowd in Samburu, the retired jurist did not mince his words, urging the community to reject leaders who only appear during election cycles with handouts. His message was centered on the direct link between bad governance and the persistent challenges of insecurity, lack of water, and poor infrastructure that plague the region.

The "Gen Z" Candidate?

In a surprising strategic pivot, Maraga is positioning himself as a mentor and transition leader for the youth, jokingly referring to himself as the "Gen Z presidential candidate." This rhetoric is designed to bridge the generational gap, presenting his experience not as baggage, but as a stabilizing force necessary to guide the country back to constitutionalism. "We must clear the rot so that our children can inherit a functioning country," he told the cheering crowd.

• Focus on Priorities: Maraga criticized the current administration for misplaced priorities, citing the disparity between the lavish spending in Nairobi and the destitution in Samburu. He promised a "bottom-up" approach to justice and resource allocation—but one rooted in the rule of law, not slogans.
• Security Concerns: Acknowledging the banditry menace in the North Rift, Maraga argued that insecurity thrives where there is corruption in the security apparatus. He pledged to professionalize the police force and ensure resources reach the officers on the ground.
• The Constitutional Promise: He reminded the residents that the 2010 Constitution, which he staunchly defended during his tenure, holds the key to their liberation if fully implemented by a willing executive.

The Road to 2027

Maraga's entry into the 2027 race complicates the political arithmetic. By targeting marginalized regions like Samburu, he is seeking to build a coalition of the "left-behind." His challenge will be translating his reputation for judicial firmness into political likability. However, in a political landscape often defined by betrayal and shifting alliances, his consistency offers a stark alternative.

As he left Samburu, the dust settling behind his convoy, the question remained: is Kenya ready for a president who follows the law to the letter? Maraga is betting that after years of broken promises, the answer is yes.