Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has criticised former Chief Justice David Maraga over his political campaign, saying retired leaders should uphold dignity and humility when engaging with the public.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Junet said he felt pity seeing Maraga, who is running for the 2027 presidential elections, addressing only a handful of people during campaign events.

“You know, when I see the former chief justice sometimes campaigning, I just look at and then he’s addressing the 10 people. Mr Speaker, I feel petty for him,” Junet said.

He added that such displays were not befitting a former state officer of Maraga’s calibre.

Maraga, who served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, has confirmed that his presidential bid for 2027 is final and irreversible.

“I will not step down for anyone. My decision to oust President Ruto in 2027 is final,” he said, speaking at a United Green Movement (UGM) party meeting in Mombasa.

The former CJ said his decision to join politics was motivated by what he described as a constitutional crisis under the current government. He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of undermining constitutional values, promoting impunity, and condoning corruption.

“Sometimes it feels like we are in a state of civil war. That is why I’ve left legal practice and joined politics—to salvage this nation from poor governance and lawlessness,” he said.

Maraga outlined that his presidency would focus on constitutionalism, accountability, equal opportunity, justice, and people-centred governance. He promised that immunity would apply only while in office, and any wrongdoing after leaving office would be prosecuted.

Leaders must show restraint

Junet’s comments also referenced the recent Mbeere North by-election, where former Speaker Justin Muturi was involved in a confrontation with a voter and ejected an MCA for wearing party colours.

Junet argued that leaders who have held top state offices, including the presidency, the Chief Justice, and the speakership, should maintain dignity and restraint even in tense situations.

“Mr Speaker, when you retire from a high office, you should be able to carry yourself with humility because you are a senior member of this society called Kenya,” Junet said. He added that disputes should be left to aides or security officers, not senior leaders themselves.

Junet also praised the Orange Democratic Movement for holding onto key parliamentary seats in the recent by-elections, saying the results showed Kenyans prefer unity over divisive politics.