Retired Chief Justice (CJ) David Maraga is sending signals that he will contest the presidency in the next General Election, People Daily can now reveal.

Maraga who has been holding consultative meetings lately is convinced that the country has gotten off the radar and needs a devoted, honest and forthright person to get it back on track.

On Sunday, Maraga attended a church service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)-Holy Trinity in Kibra, Nairobi where he freely mingled with members and posed for pictures. The pictures raised eyebrows given that Maraga is known as a staunch Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church whose day of worship is Saturday. Maraga updated the pictures on his X account, stating: “As part of my ongoing engagement with the youth, the young people invited me…for their Youth Service.”

The post read that the service was presided over by the Church Vicar, Barack Oduor, whose sermon was on Moses’ leadership of the Israelites out of Egypt. “After the service, I had a chance to engage some of the youth and was impressed and encouraged by their enthusiasm and belief in the possibility of (a) a new Kenya that will address their concerns,” Maraga said.

Last week, the former head of the judiciary held a closed-door meeting at a Nairobi hotel, where, according to sources, he disclosed that he would go for the country’s top seat.

The meeting was attended by various political leaders from his native Gusii region, including former and current parliamentarians, party leaders and professionals. Former legislators present included Omingo Magara (South Mugirango), Ben Momanyi (Borabu), Charles Geni (North Mugirango) and Wilfred Ombui (North Mugirango/Borabu), as Innocent Obiri, the current MP for Bobasi. Kenya Social Congress (KSC) party leaders Manson Oyongo and Atati Kengere, as well as East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator, Kiangoi Momanyi attended the meeting.

Oyongo is a former MP for South Mugirango who unsuccessfully vied for the Kisii gubernatorial seat in 2022. Declared support Momanyi who also unsuccessfully contested the Nyamira gubernatorial seat in 2022 has already publicly declared that he would support Maraga to go for the presidency.

The same position has been taken by Emily Nyagarama, who ran for the Nyamira County MP’s seat in 2022 and lost. “Maraga is not flashy but he is deep.

His campaign has no noise but is dense and deep,” Nyagarama, who attended the Nairobi meeting, said on Sunday. “He’s a humble man with high integrity and finesse. You might not see but feel him. His campaign strategy is a game changer.” Although the meeting was not open to journalists, sources disclosed that the attendees expressed frustrations with the manner the country’s politics is being run.

“We feel that time has come for sanity to prevail and the CJ Emeritus should lead the way because he is a man of integrity,” a source said. He added that Maraga has a track record as a forthright and God-fearing individual who abhors corruption, which is a major hindrance to the country’s growth. “His approach is issue-based.

He wants to restore the dignity of all Kenyans,” the source said, adding that members pres- ent gave Maraga blessings to traverse the country and engage citizens. Before the Nairobi meeting, Maraga met young people in his Nakuru home, where they had lengthy deliberations with them. Turning to the X platform, Maraga shared pictures on February 4 stating, “…I was inspired by your passion and commitment to transform Kenya into a better place for everyone.” Better Kenya “The youth struggle for a better Kenya deserves all our support,” Maraga said.

The retired chief justice has been vocal and in January raised his voice against the abduction of young crusaders opposed to the President William Ruto administration.

“A leadership that abets a culture of killings and human rights violations jeopardizes its legitimacy. We cannot be lulled into complacency in the face of such assaults on our shared humanity,” said Maraga in a statement.

While calling for the immediate release of all young people who are still being held incommunicado and accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones, Maraga said a time has come for Kenyans to work together and build a society that upholds the rule of law, constitutionalism and integrity.

“It has come to us that two persons known to have been abducted at Mlolongo have been found dead. We condole with the families of Martin Mwau and Justus Musyimi and stand with the families of those still missing. May God greatly comfort you and give you the courage to push towards justice,” said Maraga.

He added, “I reiterate my deep condemnation of the continued violence against young Kenyans in the form of the abhorrent acts of killing, maiming, and abduction. These continued crimes are a stain to our collective conscience as a nation, and we are all duty-bound to say #EnoughisEnough, #EndAbductionsNow! We cannot remain silent.

If Maraga makes good his intention to run, he would be doing so while riding on his legacy in the judiciary, where, among other things, he nullified the presidential poll outcome in 2017, saying it was irregular.

The Supreme Court decision, which was not anticipated, catapulted Maraga to the international limelight. He has over time rooted for good governance, the rule of law and constitutionalism, and it might be interesting to watch how he navigates in politics.

While nullifying President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in an election petition filed by Raila Odinga who was the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, Maraga stated:

“The greatness of any nation lies in its fidelity to the constitution and adherence to the rule of law, and above all, respect to God.” He was harshly criticized by Uhuru’s team, with President William Ruto (then Deputy President) saying, “Maraga has had his day; ours is coming. And by the way that’s not a threat.

He has had his day, he has done his game, and our day is coming.