The former Chief Justice channels the spirit of Magufuli, promising a ruthless purge of corruption and a government where no shilling goes unaccounted for.

In a thunderous declaration that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, former Chief Justice David Maraga has vowed to ruthlessly deal with the theft of public funds if elected President in 2027.

This is not the usual campaign rhetoric; it is a moral ultimatum from a man whose career was defined by an unshakeable adherence to the rule of law. Maraga, standing tall as a beacon of integrity in a sea of graft, has drawn a battle line against the "tenderpreneurs" and cartels that have captured the Kenyan state, promising a presidency where accountability is not a suggestion, but a terrifying reality for thieves.

The Magufuli Blueprint

Maraga’s pledge echoes the no-nonsense approach of the late Tanzanian President John Magufuli, who became a continental icon for his austerity measures and direct confrontation of corruption. "If a shilling is stolen in your name, the person responsible will answer to you publicly," Maraga declared, painting a picture of a government stripped of excess and focused entirely on service delivery.

He challenged the current administration's record, pointing to the scandals rocking the e-Citizen platform and the "empowerment" programs that he termed merely avenues for looting. "We cannot build a nation when the foundation is being eaten by termites," he warned. His platform is built on a radical transparency that would see the President himself answerable for the conduct of his Cabinet.

• Zero Tolerance: Maraga promised that any official in his government implicated in graft would face immediate dismissal and prosecution—no sacred cows, no "stepping aside" with full pay.
• Family Ban: In a move to prevent conflict of interest, he vowed that his family and close friends would be legally barred from doing business with the government, closing the door on the nepotism that plagues Kenyan leadership.
• The 2027 Stakes: By centering his campaign on integrity, Maraga is betting that Kenyans are exhausted by the "loot-and-scoot" culture and are ready for a leader who offers pain today for prosperity tomorrow.

A Moral Crusader in a Dirty Game

The entry of the retired CJ into the 2027 race changes the calculus. Unlike career politicians who carry the baggage of past scandals, Maraga wields his judicial track record like a sword. His nullification of the 2017 presidential election proved he does not fear power; now, he asks Kenyans to give him the power to clean the house.

"I will not steal from you, and I will not allow anyone to steal from you," Maraga told a hushed crowd. In a country where billions vanish daily, this simple promise sounds revolutionary. The question remains: is Kenya ready for a leader who actually means what he says?