Former Chief Justice of Kenya, David Maraga, has officially launched his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, starting with an online fundraising drive to gather support from ordinary citizens. He said the aim of the campaign is to “Reset, Restore, and Rebuild Kenya” and promised that it will be fully driven by the people.
The digital fundraising platform, which is hosted on the website davidmaraga.com, allows Kenyans to donate from as low as 50 shillings to help finance his presidential ambition. According to him, this will reduce the influence of big-money sponsors and allow Kenyans to take ownership of the campaign.
Maraga disclosed during an interview that within just two days of launching the website, over Sh500,000 had already been raised from supporters within Kenya. He added that Kenyans living abroad have also started donating, sending money in foreign currencies like dollars.
“We have set up a website, davidmaraga.com, and within two days in Kenya, we had more than Sh500,000. Those in the diaspora have also contributed in dollars. That tells you Kenyans want change,” he said confidently.
The former CJ made it clear that he does not have the deep pockets many politicians boast of and that his personal contribution to the campaign would be modest—between Sh1 million to Sh2 million.
“I will appeal to Kenyans to contribute to the campaigns. I’ll put in very little money, around Sh1 million or Sh2 million. I don’t have much money,” he stated.
On the donation platform, contributors are required to fill in their name, phone number, email address, and amount donated. Maraga assured Kenyans that every shilling received will be properly accounted for. He said the money would be spent on grassroots mobilisation, community town hall meetings, digital campaign activities, and building a strong volunteer network across the country.
He also gave his word that if there’s any extra money left after the election campaign, it would not go to waste or personal use. “Whatever is left, we will give it to a public cause,” he said.
Maraga said the 2027 campaign will not be business as usual. He plans to run a government based on competence, honesty, and professionalism, not one filled with political allies or unqualified individuals.
“Every public servant must earn their place and deliver results. We will not run a government of rewards and cronies,” he stressed.
The retired Chief Justice is well known in Kenya for his bold judicial decisions, especially the historic annulment of the 2017 presidential election result. Many Kenyans see him as a man of principle and accountability.
His latest move to seek support directly from citizens rather than rely on political elites has sparked public interest, especially at a time when many Kenyans are complaining about the high cost of living, corruption, and lack of transparency in governance.
Political analysts say Maraga’s campaign style is refreshing and could set a new tone for future elections in Kenya. It also reflects the increasing use of technology in African politics, where candidates are now using the internet and social media to connect directly with voters.
Already, the hashtag #Maraga2027 is trending on Kenyan social media platforms, with many praising him for starting early and focusing on clean politics. However, some observers say raising enough money through small donations could be difficult in a country where many people are struggling to meet basic needs.
Still, Maraga believes that the suffering of the people will encourage them to support a candidate who promises honesty and professionalism in government. “With the suffering Kenyans have gone through, I’m sure we’ll get Sh50 or Sh100 from individuals,” he said.
Whether or not he wins in 2027, David Maraga has already sent a strong message about how campaigns in Africa can be different — focused on people, not power.
