By Mumo Judah | July 20, 2026
Former Chief Justice and United Green Movement (UGM) presidential flag-bearer David Maraga has officially unveiled his presidential campaign leadership team, marking a significant milestone in his preparations for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued from his campaign headquarters in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, Maraga introduced a team he said would spearhead his presidential bid under the campaign slogan “Reset, Restore, Rebuild.” The former Chief Justice expressed confidence that the team possesses the experience and expertise needed to steer his campaign and articulate his vision for the country.
Maraga appointed governance expert Mkawasi Mcharo as Co-Executive Director of the campaign secretariat. She will be responsible for overseeing campaign strategy, policy formulation and engagement with Kenyans living abroad.
The former Chief Justice described Mcharo as an accomplished scholar and governance specialist with more than two decades of leadership experience in public policy and community development.
He also acknowledged her role as the founding Chairperson of the Kenya Community Abroad organization and credited her with contributing to advocacy efforts that culminated in the recognition of dual citizenship in Kenya’s Constitution.
Veteran journalist and political communications strategist David Makali was appointed as the campaign’s Communications Coordinator.
Maraga said Makali’s extensive experience spanning more than three decades in journalism, media management and civil society advocacy would strengthen the campaign’s public communication strategy and engagement with the electorate.
The appointments form part of Maraga’s efforts to build a structured national campaign as he seeks to challenge for the country’s highest office in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after unveiling the team, Maraga reiterated that his presidential campaign would largely depend on financial contributions from ordinary Kenyans rather than wealthy political financiers.
“I have committed to contributing between KSh1 million and KSh2 million of my own money and will rely on Kenyans to raise the rest,” Maraga said.
He noted that a people-funded campaign would demonstrate transparency, accountability and independence from vested political interests.
Maraga also outlined his intention to actively engage young people in his presidential bid, describing himself as a leader committed to empowering Kenya’s youth through meaningful participation in governance and decision-making.
Positioning himself as a candidate focused on the aspirations of younger generations, he said his campaign would prioritize mentorship, job creation, integrity in public service and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance.
The former Chief Justice has increasingly sought to appeal to young voters, many of whom have demanded greater accountability, transparency and constitutionalism in public leadership.
While affirming his commitment to contest the presidency under the United Green Movement, Maraga also indicated that he remains open to political cooperation should it serve the country’s broader interests.
Addressing speculation about possible alliances within the opposition, he said he would not rule out supporting another candidate if doing so would advance national unity and democratic change.
“I am not opposed to Fred Matiang’i’s candidature. Our people have endorsed him. If need be, I will step down for him for a better Kenya because Kenya is bigger than self-interest,” Maraga stated.
His remarks are likely to fuel discussions about potential opposition alliances as political parties continue consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say Maraga’s decision to unveil a professional campaign secretariat signals his intention to mount a serious presidential challenge while distinguishing himself through a governance-centered agenda rooted in constitutionalism, judicial independence and anti-corruption reforms.
The analysts further note that his openness to coalition-building reflects the increasingly fluid political landscape, where alliances are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the next general election.
With the unveiling of his campaign leadership team, Maraga has formally intensified his preparations for the 2027 presidential race, joining a growing list of political leaders already positioning themselves to shape Kenya’s next chapter of national leadership.
