Former Chief Justice David Maraga has launched a critique of Kenya’s leadership, accusing those in power of pushing the country into economic distress through excessive borrowing, resource wastage, and theft.

In a post on X dated November 9, 2025, Maraga, now the United Green Movement Party (UGM) presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, stated, “Kenya is not a poor country. Our problem is that we have people in power who keep borrowing, wasting resources and stealing.”

He said his campaign aims to address these issues through governance reforms and transparent resource management.

Focus on youth, innovation and agriculture

Maraga outlined his economic recovery plan in the same post, saying, “I will work hard to rebuild our economy, use innovation and technology to create opportunities for the youth and rejuvenate agriculture and agribusiness.”

His message aligns with his “Reset. Restore. Rebuild.” campaign launched in October 2025, which focuses on tackling unemployment and stimulating rural economies.

The UGM candidate has intensified his nationwide outreach, including recent tours of coastal counties such as Mombasa and Tana River, where he highlighted the role of agribusiness in job creation and local enterprise growth.

In a separate post on X, Maraga noted his commitment to devolution and social justice during a visit to Homa Bay County. “I took time during my Homa Bay County trip to pay my respects and lay flowers at Odhiambo Mbai’s mausoleum at his Majiwa village of Homa Bay Town Constituency. I met his widow, and we caught up on her progress since the assassination of her husband. The late Mbai contributed a great deal to the chapter on Devolution of the 2010 Constitution. My presidency will prioritise the full implementation of Devolution to give Kenyans dignity and spur our economic growth. We must also end the sad history of political assassinations, which rob families of their loved ones and the country, its best brains,” he wrote.

UGM targets youth leadership ahead of 2027

The United Green Movement Party has issued a public notice calling for young aspirants from all 47 counties to join the 2027 campaigns. According to the notice dated November 4, 2025, the party aims to nurture and empower “the next generation of political leaders who can bring new energy, accountability and inclusivity into Kenya’s governance.”

Registered participants will take part in an in-person session to develop a National Campaign Accountability Charter to guide the party’s campaign strategy, with applications set to close on November 11, 2025.

Criticism of current administration

In a local TV interview on November 4, 2025, Maraga criticised President William Ruto’s administration.

David Maraga argued that the current regime has failed the country, adding that President William Ruto has lost his legitimacy as the nation’s leader. Maraga noted that for a president to preside over orders that are meant to harm the people is a true revelation that he has failed in his mandate.

He referenced the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, saying, “If you can issue shooting orders against young people going to the streets to protest the finance bill, then you have lost the legitimacy as the President.”

Maraga also pointed to unemployment concerns. “Look at the current economy; Kenya’s economy is pathetic. The challenge of unemployment in this country is to revive the economy. We have what it takes to create employment among young people,” he said.