Siaya Governor James Orengo has said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would not have lost the 2002 presidential election if former Chief Justice David Maraga had been heading the Judiciary at the time.

Speaking on Friday during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Mosocho, Kisii County, Orengo praised Maraga’s record on constitutionalism and judicial independence, saying his leadership would have changed the outcome of the election.

“Maraga angekuwa Chief Justice 2002, Raila hangeibiwa Kura. That I know as a matter of fact,” Orengo told supporters.

He also maintained that he could not be intimidated over his political position despite serving in ODM while Edwin Sifuna remains the party’s Secretary General.

The remarks were made during the Linda Mwananchi Kisii-Nyamira tour, which brought together opposition leaders and supporters for discussions on governance, constitutionalism and accountability ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Orengo praises Maraga’s judicial record

Orengo linked his remarks to Maraga’s tenure as Chief Justice, describing him as a leader who demonstrated commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court between October 2016 and January 2021.

During his tenure, he led the Supreme Court bench that nullified the 2017 presidential election and ordered a fresh poll after finding irregularities in the electoral process.

The decision marked the first time a presidential election had been nullified by a court in Africa.

Maraga also advised the dissolution of Parliament in 2020 over its failure to enact legislation implementing the constitutional two-thirds gender principle.

His tenure also saw the Judiciary expand the use of technology in court operations and implement measures aimed at reducing case backlogs.

At the rally, Maraga said Kenyans had urged him through his Ukatiba Caravan to work with leaders committed to protecting the Constitution and fighting corruption.

“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 added that Kenya has sufficient resources to transform the lives of its citizens if public resources are managed responsibly. “Kenya is a very rich country… Kile ambacho kinaangamiza sisi ni wizi wa mali ya uma.”

Opposition leaders rally behind Linda Mwananchi

Friday’s rally marked Maraga’s latest public appearance alongside leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement. The event was hosted by Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi and formed part of the movement’s Kisii-Nyamira tour.

Before attending the rally, Maraga held consultations with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Other leaders taking part in the regional engagements include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and several elected leaders from the region.

Maraga has also recently held meetings with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi as opposition consultations continue ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Linda Mwananchi movement has been holding public engagements across different parts of the country focusing on constitutional governance, accountability, economic issues and public participation.

The Kisii meeting is among a series of regional forums organised by the movement as political leaders continue consultations and build alliances ahead of the next General Election. Orengo’s remarks on Maraga’s judicial record and Raila Odinga’s political journey added to the discussions on the role of independent institutions in Kenya’s electoral process.