Presidential aspirant and United Green Movement (UGM) Party Leader David Maraga has issued a New Year’s message to Kenyans, promising that under his leadership, Kenya will undergo a fundamental transformation anchored in the rule of law and constitutional fidelity.
“Under my presidency, Kenya will change – not through slogans, but through fidelity to the Constitution. There can be no nation without the rule of law,” the UGM Party Leader declared.
The former Chief Justice painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs.
“We come to the close of the year with deep reflection and profound possibility. Our nation faces a serious test of its values and its institutions,” Maraga stated.
He pointed out that “our economy is in peril with more and more Kenyans being pushed into poverty, while a few live lavish lives from stolen public funds.”
Maraga didn’t hold back in his assessment of the current administration and criticizing the healthcare system.
“Our healthcare system is broken,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Maraga expressed unwavering confidence in Kenya’s Constitution as the solution.
“Yet even in this moment, we carry something precious and powerful: a Constitution that, if faithfully lived, can reset our country and restore our hope,” he stated.
He described our Constitution to be more than just legal text.
“Our Constitution is not just a legal document. It is a moral covenant between the Kenyan people and those entrusted with leadership. It is the clearest expression of our collective will to build a just, accountable, and dignified Kenya,” Maraga said.
At the heart of Maraga’s vision is what he calls Ukatiba, constitutionalism in practice.
“My commitment to you is simple and unwavering, to govern through Ukatiba, constitutionalism, in word, spirit, and deed,” he pledged.
He explained, “Ukatiba means that no individual is above the law. It means that power is exercised as a trust, not a privilege. It means that leadership is service, not entitlement.”
The presidential aspirant identified corruption as the most urgent challenge facing Kenya. “Central to this commitment is one urgent task, ending the culture of corruption and impunity that has held our nation hostage for too long. Corruption is not merely an economic crime; it is a moral failure that steals from the poor, weakens our institutions, and robs our children of their future,” he said.
Maraga outlined specific commitments for his presidency, starting with institutional independence.
“We will restore the independence and dignity of our institutions, allowing investigators, prosecutors, auditors, and judges to do their work without fear or interference,” he promised.
He emphasized that they will ensure that integrity in public office is not optional, because integrity is the demand that makes the difference between mediocrity and excellence; chaos and justice; sorrow and success.
“We will guard the people’s money openly, honestly, and without fear. Corruption thrives in secrecy but withers in the light,” he vowed, on financial accountability.
His vision extends to governance structures and economic reform.
“We will respect devolution as a system of shared power and shared responsibility – bringing services closer to the people while insisting on accountability at every level of government. Through the same fidelity to Ukatiba, we will rebuild an economy that rewards honest enterprise and hard work, lowers the cost of living, and creates opportunity,” Maraga stated.
Education reform features prominently in his agenda, vowing that every child, regardless of their background, will have access to quality learning.
“We will renew our education system so that every Kenyan child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning that prepares them for dignity, productivity, and citizenship,” Maraga promised.
Addressing the healthcare crisis, Maraga pledged, “Ukatiba will also guide us to restore our broken healthcare system – by enforcing the right to health, ensuring public funds reach hospitals and clinics, and guaranteeing that no Kenyan is denied care because of corruption, neglect, or poverty.”
The former Chief Justice warned that the culture of impunity must end.
“My fellow Kenyans, corruption has survived in our country because impunity has been normalised. Under Ukatiba, consequences will be certain, justice will be impartial, and the law will be predictable. When that happens, corruption stops being a system, and becomes a risk,” he asserted.
Maraga framed his presidency as a turning point for Kenya, rebuilding it lawfully, fairly and including every citizen in it.
“This is how we will reset our Republic. This is how we will restore trust between citizens and the State. This is how we will rebuild Kenya- lawfully, fairly, and together,” he declared.
He called on Kenyans to join him in this constitutional journey, emphasizing that the future of Kenya is not dependent on one person.
“The future of this nation does not depend on one individual. It depends on our collective decision to return to the Constitution we gave ourselves. I ask you to walk this journey with me – with courage, patience, and faith in the rule of law,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Maraga expressed hope for a transformed nation, as Kenya heads to the elections period come next year, 2027.
“May the new year mark the beginning of a Kenya where justice is ordinary, integrity is expected, and leadership is accountable.”
He concluded his powerful message with a benediction: “May God bless you, and may God bless the Republic of Kenya.”
