Former Chief Justice David Maraga has ruled out the
possibility of working with President William Ruto, should he reach out for negotiations
even if they will be in the best interests of the country.
In a video seen by The Star, Maraga cited what he described
as a fundamental clash of values between the President and himself.
“How can I work with him (Ruto)? We can’t work together
because his values are completely different from mine,” he said.
However, the retired Chief Justice signaled willingness to
engage former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He insisted that any cooperation would depend on
commitment to the rule of law and service to Kenyans.
“Gachagua, we will sit down and see what they want to do for
the people of Kenya. If it is to do what we want to do for Kenyans, then we can
work together. I am open to it. But if his character and record do not follow
the law, it will be difficult to work with him,” Maraga stated.
Maraga has over the last few months become a great critic of
the Ruto-led administration. This he started in the wake of the Gen Z anti-government
protests.
He is also among Kenyans seeking to unseat President Ruto in
the 2027 general elections, even though he has remained reluctant to say which
party he will use to seek the presidency.
In August, Maraga insisted that he is the solution to Kenya’s
governance problems, saying that his 2027 presidential bid will offer Kenyans
clean, accountable, and ethical leadership, positioning himself as a moral
alternative to President William Ruto.
The former CJ said his decision to run was motivated by what
he described as a looming national crisis.
"It is the way things have been run in this country. If
we all stay back and watch, we will find ourselves drowning in the Indian
Ocean. Everyone will suffer. We should not let those in power mess the country
when we are watching," he warned, lamenting a historic decline in
governance standards.
On coalitions, he stressed that partnerships were inevitable
but would not be driven by convenience.
“Any partnership must align with my core vision of honest,
transparent governance and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he said.
