Speaking on Monday, February 16, 2026, during the launch of his presidential campaign in Meru and Isiolo counties, the United Green Movement Party (UGM) flag bearer dismissed speculation that he could be persuaded to step down in favour of political negotiations.
“I will be on the ballot, and I will not accept to be bought to drop from the State House race,” Maraga declared to supporters.
“Our bid is not anchored on mediocrity but devoted to winning and bringing fundamental change to this country,” he added.
Maraga accused the current administration of fostering corruption, abusing power and neglecting ordinary citizens.
According to him, many Kenyans feel sidelined and frustrated by economic hardships and governance challenges.
He promised that if elected, his administration would intensify the fight against graft, restore respect for the Constitution and end what he termed as a culture of impunity. He also pledged equitable distribution of resources across all regions without ethnic bias.
“Every Kenyan matters. Development and resources must be shared fairly and without discrimination,” he said.
Turning his attention to electoral preparedness, Maraga faulted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), chaired by Erastus Ethekon, over what he described as poorly structured voter registration systems.
He argued that the current approach has made it difficult for many Kenyans, particularly youth and those in remote areas, to register as voters.
“The majority of Kenyans are the youth. They are unemployed and do not have money to travel long distances to access registration centres,” he noted.
Maraga urged the IEBC to decentralise its services by taking registration drives to churches, markets and learning institutions.
“IEBC should take the services to the people, not the people to look for IEBC services,” he said.
The former Chief Justice also criticised the government’s handling of drought and food insecurity in northern Kenya, terming the response inadequate.
He promised that if elected, his administration would intensify the fight against graft, restore respect for the Constitution and end what he termed as a culture of impunity. He also pledged equitable distribution of resources across all regions without ethnic bias.
“Every Kenyan matters. Development and resources must be shared fairly and without discrimination,” he said.
Turning his attention to electoral preparedness, Maraga faulted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), chaired by Erastus Ethekon, over what he described as poorly structured voter registration systems.
He argued that the current approach has made it difficult for many Kenyans, particularly youth and those in remote areas, to register as voters.
“The majority of Kenyans are the youth. They are unemployed and do not have money to travel long distances to access registration centres,” he noted.
Maraga urged the IEBC to decentralise its services by taking registration drives to churches, markets and learning institutions.
“IEBC should take the services to the people, not the people to look for IEBC services,” he said.
The former Chief Justice also criticised the government’s handling of drought and food insecurity in northern Kenya, terming the response inadequate.
Additionally, he condemned the use of excessive force during public gatherings, calling on authorities to respect human rights.
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