Former Chief Justice David Maraga has declared that he will not quit the presidential race, vowing to defeat President William Ruto come 2027.

Speaking in Meru on Monday, February 16, 2026, during the launch of his presidential campaign in Meru and Isiolo counties, the United Green Movement Party (UGM) flag bearer dismissed claims that he could be persuaded to step down for political convenience.

Maraga said his bid for the country’s top seat is firmly on course and cannot be derailed by intimidation, inducements or political negotiations aimed at pushing him out of the contest.

“I will be on the ballot, and  I will not accept to be bought to drop from the State House race,” he declared.

He expressed confidence that he would defeat President Ruto in the next General Election, insisting that his campaign is built on integrity, reform and the rule of law.

Even so, Maraga indicated that UGM remains open to forming coalitions with like-minded parties, provided such alliances are anchored on principles and the desire to transform the country.

“Our bid is not anchored on mediocrity but devoted to winning and bringing fundamental change to this country,” the UGM boss said.

Maraga’s barenuckles

He accused the current administration of entrenching corruption, abusing power and oppressing citizens, arguing that many Kenyans feel neglected under the present leadership.

According to Maraga, his government would prioritise the fight against graft, restore respect for the Constitution and end what he termed as a culture of impunity.

He promised equitable distribution of national resources and development projects without favouring any ethnic group.

“Every Kenyan matters. Development and resources must be shared fairly and without discrimination,” he said.

At the same time, Maraga faulted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over what he termed as poorly structured voter registration systems that have made it difficult for many Kenyans, especially in remote areas, to register.

He faulted the electoral body for contributing to low voter registration numbers, particularly among the youth.

“The majority of Kenyans are the youth. They are unemployed and do not have money to travel long distances to access registration centres,” he said.

Maraga urged the IEBC to decentralise its services and take voter registration closer to the people, including in churches, marketplaces and learning institutions.

“IEBC should take the services to the people, not the people to look for IEBC services,” he noted.

He called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to register as voters ahead of the 2027 polls, saying civic participation is key to changing the country’s leadership.

Ravaging drought

The presidential candidate also criticised the government’s response to drought and food shortages in northern Kenya, terming it inadequate and poorly coordinated.

He claimed that the method used to assess the number of people affected by drought is insufficient, leaving many vulnerable Kenyans without support.

“Many continue to suffer across the country because the intervention measures are not properly structured,” he said.

Maraga further condemned what he described as excessive use of force by police during public gatherings, including the use of tear gas.

He termed such actions unlawful and called on the government to respect human rights and refrain from attacks in places of worship.

“Political differences should not affect innocent Kenyans. Let politicians and the government shun the use of force against citizens exercising their rights,” he added.