Maraga lists reasons why re-electing Ruto in 2027 will lead to a national disaster
By Aloys Michael, May 9, 2026Former Chief Justice David Maraga has warned that Kenya would face a disaster if President William Ruto is re-elected in the 2027 General Election, accusing his administration of corruption, wasteful spending and misleading the public on major projects.
Speaking during a funeral service in Kitutu Chache North, Kisii County, on Friday, May 8, 2026, Maraga criticised the government’s handling of multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects, claiming many were designed to benefit a few individuals at the expense of taxpayers.
The United Green Movement (UGM) leader singled out the controversial Rironi-Mau Summit road project, saying the government inflated the cost after cancelling an earlier agreement signed during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
According to Maraga, the road project had initially been awarded to a French consortium for Ksh159.27 billion. However, after President Ruto took office, the contract was cancelled and later handed to a Chinese company at Ksh192.6 billion.
He said the move increased the project cost by about Ksh33.3 billion, with Kenya also paying nearly Ksh7 billion in compensation following the cancellation of the original agreement.
Maraga questioned why the government abandoned the earlier deal only to award the same project at a much higher price.
“You have seen reports about the Rironi-Mau Summit road. The previous contract was cheaper, but after it was cancelled, Kenyans are now expected to pay billions more,” he said.
He further claimed that the same contractor had undertaken road projects in Ethiopia at significantly lower costs, arguing that Kenyans were being exploited through inflated contracts.
Maraga has accused the government of using mega projects, including the affordable housing programme, as channels for looting public funds.
“These mega projects that Ruto is pushing are for looting public money in large amounts. Kenyans cannot afford to continue like this. It would be a disaster if he is re-elected,” Maraga said.
He also criticised the government’s plan to sell shares in Safaricom despite the telecommunications giant recently posting Ksh100 billion profit for the 2025/26 financial year.
Maraga argued that it was illogical for the government to dispose of shares in profitable companies while loss-making parastatals remained untouched.
He further faulted President Ruto over remarks made in Tanzania regarding plans for a multi-billion-shilling oil refinery project in Tanga, saying the Tanzanian government appeared unaware of the proposal.
Maraga accused the President of misleading both Kenyans and neighbouring countries through uncoordinated announcements.
He urged Kenyans to remain united and protect the country from poor leadership and misuse of public resources ahead of the 2027 polls.