Maraga appoints Mcharo, Makali to lead presidential campaign secretariat
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 20, 2026United Green Movement presidential flagbearer David Maraga has appointed Mkawasi Mcharo and David Makali to head his presidential campaign secretariat as he begins preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Maraga, who served as Chief Justice before joining politics, announced the establishment of the campaign team on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the secretariat offices in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.
The two officials will serve as key leaders in his presidential campaign, with Mcharo taking charge of strategy, policy and diaspora affairs, while Makali will oversee communication as the campaign’s communication coordinator.
The appointment marks a major step in organising Maraga’s campaign structure as he seeks to build support for his presidential bid under the United Green Movement party.
Mcharo’s leadership role
Mcharo joins the campaign with more than two decades of experience in leadership, management, and advocacy.
According to the campaign secretariat, she is a scholar and instructor in areas including war and the emergence of nations, language and performing arts.
She has also been involved in social justice and governance matters and previously served as one of the founding members and chairperson of Kenya Community Abroad, an organisation based in the United States.
During her time at Kenya Community Abroad, Mcharo worked on issues affecting Kenyans living abroad, including efforts to promote the implementation of constitutional provisions on dual citizenship.
She was also involved in initiating the first Kenya Presidential Debate, which brought presidential candidates together to discuss national issues ahead of elections.
Mcharo is also a writer whose articles have been published in Kenyan and international media.
She holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Hunter College in New York, a Master of Arts degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University in Vermont and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Nairobi.
Her doctoral research, which she began at Howard University in Washington DC, focuses on political belonging and the emergence of nations.
Makali takes communication role
Makali, who has worked in journalism and strategic communication for more than 30 years, joins Maraga’s campaign as Communication Coordinator.
He has experience in civil society, mainstream media and alternative journalism, having held senior editorial positions and worked as a communications consultant for various organisations.
The campaign described him as a political analyst and editor with expertise in governance, human rights and press freedom.
Makali received the Press Freedom Warrior Award for 2025 from the Kenya Editors Guild in recognition of his contribution to journalism.
His career has also included challenges linked to his work as a journalist.
In 1994, he was imprisoned over his journalistic work and recognised by Amnesty International as a Prisoner of Conscience.
In 1999, Makali was abducted in Nairobi after publishing an investigative report alleging involvement of senior government officials in drug trafficking and money laundering activities. He said he was later tortured and abandoned at Karura Forest.
Makali holds a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Columbia University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Moi University.
Maraga’s presidential bid
Maraga, who served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, declared his intention to run for president through the United Green Movement.
He has positioned his campaign around governance, accountability and reforms, with the former Chief Justice arguing that Kenya needs stronger leadership institutions.
The appointment of Mcharo and Makali gives the presidential campaign secretariat officials responsible for shaping policy direction, communication strategy and engagement with Kenyans at home and abroad.
The campaign team said the two leaders bring experience that will support Maraga’s efforts as he prepares for the presidential contest.
The announcement was made in Nairobi on July 20, 2026.