Former Chief Justice and 2027 presidential hopeful David Maraga has challenged all leaders seeking the country’s highest office to publicly declare their wealth and explain how they acquired it, saying transparency is essential in the fight against corruption and the misuse of public resources.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Maraga said Kenyans are increasingly concerned about rampant corruption, economic hardships and the apparent lack of accountability among public officials. He argued that leaders seeking public trust must be willing to subject themselves to scrutiny by disclosing their assets and sources of income.

According to the former chief justice, wealth declaration should be a key requirement for anyone aspiring to lead the country, as it would help voters assess the integrity and credibility of those seeking office.

“If we are serious, all the aspirants should come and declare their wealth and tell the people how they have got it,” Maraga said.

The presidential hopeful said he is ready to lead by example and publicly disclose his own wealth, insisting that Kenyans deserve to know whether those seeking leadership positions can be trusted with public resources.

“I am ready to do that so that you see whether or not this is the person we want to entrust with our resources,” he stated.

Wealth declaration and fight against corruption

Maraga linked the issue of wealth declaration to the broader fight against corruption, which he said has contributed to the country’s economic challenges. He noted that public resources continue to be lost through theft and mismanagement, while many Kenyans struggle with the rising cost of living and limited economic opportunities.

The retired chief justice maintained that any credible political movement seeking to transform the country must prioritise accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

He also warned that failure to address corruption and lawlessness could have serious consequences for the country’s future. Maraga expressed concern over the increasing use of unemployed youth as political goons, arguing that continued disregard for governance and accountability could push the country toward instability.

The former chief justice has said that wealth declaration by presidential aspirants would be a critical first step toward demonstrating commitment to transparency and rebuilding confidence in the country’s leadership.

Maraga on joining the opposition camp

The former Chief Justice and 2027 presidential hopeful, David Maraga, has said he will only join an opposition coalition that is committed to fighting corruption, upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency among leaders.

“I have said the kind of coalition that we should have. As I have told you, I came to the political space because there was a need I saw. If I am going to enter into a coalition that does not address that need, then it is not worth my while,” Maraga added.

Maraga stated that any coalition seeking his support must be willing to confront the country’s governance challenges, including the theft of public resources and growing lawlessness.