Maraga: Re-electing Ruto in 2027 would be a tragedy
By Faith Lagat, July 3, 2026Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged Kenyans to vote out President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, saying another term under the current administration would be detrimental to the country.
Speaking on Friday during a Linda Mwananchi public rally in Mosocho, Kisii County, Maraga said Kenya was at a defining moment and called on citizens to unite ahead of next year’s elections.
“It would be a tragedy if William Ruto returns as president on the 10th of August next year. Kenya will not be the same again. Tushikamane pamoja tuiondoe hii serikali,” Maraga said.
The former Chief Justice addressed supporters after joining leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been holding public rallies and consultations across the country as part of its engagement with wananchi ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Maraga’s appearance at the Kisii rally comes after weeks of consultations with political leaders and civic groups as discussions on opposition cooperation gather momentum.
Maraga calls for unity
Maraga said his decision to join the Linda Mwananchi initiative followed feedback he received from Kenyans during his Ukatiba Caravan engagements across the country.
According to him, many citizens expressed concern over the state of governance and encouraged leaders pursuing constitutional reforms to work together.
“Wananchi wanasema kitu ambayo inaua nchi yetu ni wizi wa mali ya uma,” he said. “Waliniambia nikuje nisungumze na wenzangu tukuwe pamoja, tuwarudishie nchi.”
Maraga said Kenya has abundant resources capable of transforming the lives of its people if they are managed properly.
“Kenya is a very rich country… Kile ambacho kinaangamiza sisi ni wizi wa mali ya uma,” he added. The Mosocho rally was part of the Linda Mwananchi tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties hosted by Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi.
Before attending the rally, Maraga held consultations with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. The leaders discussed constitutionalism, the rule of law and governance.
Other leaders expected to take part in the regional engagements include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
Opposition consultations
Maraga has in recent weeks intensified consultations with opposition leaders as political realignments begin ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He has previously met former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi, maintaining that leaders seeking political change should work together instead of pursuing separate interests.
He has also said he is prepared to support a united opposition candidate if that would strengthen efforts to achieve a common objective.
Governor Kang’ata referred to Maraga’s participation in the Kisii meeting as joining “Linda Kisii,” while the former Chief Justice had earlier publicised the event on his social media platforms.
The latest consultations follow earlier meetings held at Ufungamano House, where leaders discussed possible areas of cooperation and constitutional reforms.
Maraga has consistently maintained that adherence to the Constitution, accountability in public office and prudent management of public resources should remain central to national leadership.
His remarks in Kisii come as political parties and leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with campaigns expected to intensify over the coming months.