Former Chief Justice David Maraga has formally thrown his weight behind the Linda Mwananchi movement, declaring that he will work alongside the opposition outfit as it seeks to rally Kenyans around what it describes as a campaign to restore constitutional governance and end corruption ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi public engagement in Mosocho, Kisii County, on Friday, July 3, 2026, Maraga said his decision to join the movement was informed by ordinary Kenyans who had consistently urged him to unite with like-minded leaders to rescue the country.

He argued that Kenyans, through his Ukatiba Caravan that saw him traverse the country, had told him that corruption and theft of public resources have been killing the country.

“Wananchi wanasema kitu ambayo inaua nchi yetu ni wizi wa mali ya uma. Waliniambia nikuje nisungumze na wenzangu tukuwe pamoja, tuwarudishie nchi. Wanataka tufanye kazi na wale ambao wanataka nchi yetu irudi. Ndio sababu nimekuja hapa. Tumeungana na watu wa Linda Mwananch. Tunakuja kufanya kazi na nyinyi. Tunataka kufanya kazi na watu ambao wanataka kurudisha Kenya yetu mahali inafaa. Kenya is a very rich country, nimetembea nchi mingi na nimeona. Kile ambacho kinaangamiza sisi ni wizi wa mali ya uma,” Maraga said.

The former Chief Justice argued that Kenya possesses immense economic potential but continues to struggle because of the theft of public resources, which he described as the country’s biggest challenge.

His remarks marked one of his clearest endorsements yet of the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been conducting nationwide public forums to mobilise support around governance reforms, constitutionalism and economic accountability ahead of the next General Election.

Maraga joins Kisii-Nyamira tour

Maraga’s appearance at the Mosocho rally came after days of consultations with leaders associated with the movement as it kicked off a tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties.

On Thursday, the former Chief Justice hosted Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisii ahead of the public engagements, saying leaders committed to the country’s “liberation” should unite in pursuit of constitutionalism, the rule of law and economic opportunity for all.

The Kisii-Nyamira tour featured a packed itinerary that included meetings in Mosocho, Kisii Town, Keumbu and Keroka, bringing together several opposition figures under the Linda Mwananchi banner.

Among those expected to participate in the regional engagements were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and other leaders allied to the movement.

Growing opposition cooperation

Maraga’s participation in the tour underscores growing cooperation between him and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement as opposition figures intensify efforts to build a united front against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Chief Justice has held a series of high-profile meetings with opposition leaders in recent weeks, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, as part of broader consultations to forge a common reform agenda. He has said the engagements are intended to strengthen opposition unity and build a coalition committed to constitutional governance and economic transformation.

Throughout his address in Mosocho, Maraga repeatedly returned to the issue of corruption, insisting that public theft remains the single biggest obstacle to Kenya’s development.

He told supporters that Kenyans had asked leaders who believe in good governance to set aside their differences and work together to restore the country.