Former Chief Justice David Maraga has pledged to strengthen the rule of law and intensify the fight against corruption by ensuring that independent government institutions are allowed to operate without political interference if elected president in the upcoming general elections in 2027.

Speaking in a morning interview on a local TV station on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Maraga said his administration would prioritise empowering investigative and law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties professionally and independently.

“Our campaigns are on the rule of law and dealing with corruption. The main act that we will start with is to ensure that all the institutions of government are facilitated and given the go-ahead to do their work,” Maraga said.

The former Chief Justice expressed concern over what he described as interference in investigations, saying police officers and investigators often receive conflicting instructions that undermine their work.

“Police are given mixed signals. They are following an investigation, and you find somebody has been rung and told to do something else,” he stated.

Maraga emphasised that ending such interference would be a key pillar of his leadership, promising unwavering support for agencies tasked with investigating corruption and other crimes.

“That one, I will ensure the investigative agencies and tell them, ‘Go right ahead; I have your back. Nobody is going to interfere with what you are doing,’” he said.

The former judiciary chief also praised Kenyan law enforcement officers, arguing that the country possesses some of the finest professionals in the policing sector but that their effectiveness is often hindered by external influence.

“We have among the best police officers in the world,” Maraga added.

The former chief justice maintains that restoring public confidence in government institutions begins with allowing investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies to work free from political pressure and undue influence.

Maraga’s arrest

Former Chief Justice David Maraga’s statement comes after his arrest on Monday, June 8, 2026. Maraga was arrested alongside other activists during protests opposing plans to excise 76 acres from Nairobi National Park.

In a statement shared after his arrest, Maraga said he had been detained together with fellow patriotic Kenyans while participating in a procession to present a petition to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) against the proposed excision of part of the park.

He added that Kenya’s natural heritage must be protected from destruction and accused authorities of pushing ahead with the project without adequate public participation.