Why Is David Maraga Resonating With Young Kenyans?
When former Chief Justice David Maraga announced his 2027 presidential bid during a June 2025 interview with NTV, the reaction was immediate and powerful, especially among Kenya’s Gen Z. “I am the Gen Z Presidential candidate. I have children, and many people have children. We must mentor young people so that they take over from us,” Maraga stated. His calm delivery and genuine tone instantly set him apart in a political space often marked by bravado and empty promises.
Maraga’s top priorities include tackling budgeted corruption and ending police brutality. “We cannot let some people take our country to doomsday literally,” he warned. This statement came with a promise to restore constitutional order and halt the “extractive system” that has enabled unchecked looting of public resources.
Unlike many candidates who launch their campaigns with showy declarations and millionaire budgets, Maraga disclosed that he would contribute just Ksh.1–2 million of his own money and rely on public donations. “We are going to appeal to Kenyans to contribute to our campaign… Whatever is left will go to a public course,” he said on Citizen TV.
How Are Kenyans Reacting Online and Offline?
His announcement quickly gained momentum on social media. On TikTok, Instagram, and X, young Kenyans are increasingly rallying behind him. Some even urged fellow presidential hopeful Okiya Omtatah to support Maraga as his running mate, branding the duo as the “magic ticket” to defeat President William Ruto.
Content creator Dennis Ombachi hosted Maraga for a cooking session that went viral, racking up 2.2 million TikTok views and over 176,000 likes. Offline, Maraga has joined youth-led protests, appearing in courtrooms and city streets, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Gen Z activists calling for justice and good governance.
“He is not flashy, but we trust him,” wrote one supporter on X. “Let him come simple. We’ll walk with him. Maraga the 6th. Clean hands. Clear conscience.”
What Sets Maraga Apart From Other Presidential Candidates?
Maraga’s credibility largely stems from his track record. As Chief Justice, he nullified the 2017 presidential election results, saying, “The declaration is invalid, null and void.” It was a historic move in Kenya and across Africa, and despite political backlash, including a public outburst from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Maraga held firm.
“We shall revisit this thing,” Kenyatta had warned. Maraga, however, stayed focused on his mandate, demonstrating integrity in a judiciary often under pressure.
Now, he’s banking on that same integrity to propel him into the State House. As his team works to bridge the generational gap by collaborating with influencers and creatives, Maraga is positioning himself as a hopeful alternative to a system many young voters see as broken.
Kenya’s Gen Z, fatigued by performative politics, seems ready to bet on someone they believe will serve the people, not the cartels.
By Yockshard Enyendi
