Photo Caption:UGM presidential candidate David Maraga speaks during the unveiling of the Ukatiba Caravan report at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, on June 16, 2026.
United Green Movement (UGM) presidential candidate David Maraga has called for a return to constitutionalism, accountability, and integrity in governance, saying Kenya’s challenges stem from years of corruption, impunity, and disregard for the rule of law.
Speaking during the unveiling of a report from the Ukatiba Caravan at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Tuesday, Maraga said his decision to seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election was driven by an urgent national need rather than political ambition.
The former Chief Justice said extensive consultations with young people and other Kenyans convinced him to enter the race in order to help restore order and rebuild public institutions.
Maraga said findings from the Ukatiba Caravan, a nationwide civic engagement initiative that traversed 43 counties between February and April this year, revealed widespread public dissatisfaction with governance, corruption, economic hardships, youth unemployment, and the deterioration of health and education services.
According to Maraga, wananchi consistently raised concerns over what they described as disregard for the Constitution, state capture, and rampant corruption that has weakened public institutions and denied citizens access to quality services.
He attributed the country’s economic difficulties to excessive borrowing, corruption, and poor governance, noting that public debt had risen sharply over the years, placing a heavy burden on taxpayers and limiting opportunities for private sector growth.
Maraga pledged that a UGM administration would strictly uphold the Constitution, strengthen independent institutions, professionalize the public service through merit-based appointments, and eliminate corruption in public procurement.
“We must reset this country to order by reconstituting our governance system in strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. No one will be above the law,” he said.
The UGM leader also promised to safeguard human rights, end extra-judicial killings, restore dignity to citizens, and create an enabling environment for economic growth through reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and business licensing.
He further challenged all presidential aspirants to publicly declare their assets and explain the sources of their wealth, saying transparency and integrity must be the foundation of public leadership.
Maraga said the 2027 General Election would be a defining moment for the country and urged Kenyans to reject ethnic politics and unite around values of accountability, justice, and constitutional governance.
Meanwhile, UGM parliamentary aspirant for Kibra Constituency Daniel Orogo welcomed the report, saying it reflected the aspirations and concerns raised by citizens across the country during the caravan.
Orogo said the gathering brought together party supporters and aspirants from Nairobi and other counties to support Maraga’s vision and contribute to the party’s reform agenda.
“The presidential candidate has presented what he heard from Kenyans across the country, and we have come here to support that vision and to contribute our efforts as leaders and citizens,” he said.
Outlining his priorities for Kibra Constituency, Orogo identified education, access to clean water, security, and youth employment as key areas requiring urgent intervention.
He said quality and affordable education remains a critical equalizer and pledged to advocate for improved educational infrastructure and expanded access to learning opportunities for children in the constituency.
“The children of Kibra deserve better educational opportunities because education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives,” he said.
Orogo also expressed concern over the continued challenges residents face in accessing clean and safe drinking water, noting that many households still spend hours queuing for water despite living in an urban setting.
He further cited insecurity in informal settlements as a major challenge and called for stronger collaboration between national government agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to enhance safety and security.
On youth empowerment, Orogo proposed the establishment of a job and innovation centre in Kibra to equip young people with entrepreneurship skills, digital competencies, and access to networking opportunities that could help them secure employment or create businesses.
“We need a platform where young people can acquire skills, access opportunities and connect with networks that can help them build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
As a member of the Green Movement, Orogo also underscored the importance of environmental conservation and proper waste management.
He noted that persistent dumping of garbage and blockage of drainage systems in parts of Kibra continue to pose health and environmental risks to residents.
According to Orogo, addressing the challenge requires not only improved waste collection systems but also sustained civic education to encourage responsible environmental practices among residents.
“The solution is not only about collecting waste. We must help people understand the consequences of improper disposal and why environmental conservation is important for public health and community well-being,” he said.
The UGM leadership said it will continue engaging wananchi across the country as part of its efforts to build support for constitutional reforms, accountable governance, and inclusive development ahead of the 2027 General Election.
