Former Nambale MP aspirant Ken Okwara has weighed in on the debate surrounding former Chief Justice David Maraga’s potential entry into politics, arguing that the esteemed jurist is best suited for a technocratic role rather than elective politics.
In a candid opinion, Okwara asserted that Maraga, known for his integrity and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, would have been the ideal candidate to chair the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, he cautioned against pushing the retired CJ into the treacherous world of Kenyan politics, particularly the presidential race.
“Kenyans advocating for Maraga to vie for the presidency do not understand the political terrain of this country. Politics in Kenya is brutal and unforgiving,” Okwara remarked.
Maraga, who served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from 2016 to 2021, is widely respected for his landmark rulings, including the historic nullification of the 2017 presidential election. His reputation for upholding justice has earned him admiration across the country, but Okwara warned that the same moral stance that defined his tenure could become a liability in Kenya’s cutthroat political arena.
“Let’s not send this church elder to the grave early. Kenyans will consume all his retirement benefits and abandon him when he needs them the most,” he cautioned.
Okwara urged Kenyans to allow Maraga to enjoy his well-earned retirement rather than thrusting him into a political battlefield where ethics often take a backseat to power struggles. Instead, he suggested that Maraga’s experience and integrity could be better utilized in governance reforms or advisory roles within independent institutions such as the IEBC.
As the conversation around Kenya’s 2027 general elections intensifies, Maraga's name has been floated in different political circles, but it remains unclear whether he harbors any political ambitions. For now, voices like Okwara’s continue to call for his protection from the unforgiving nature of Kenya’s political landscape.
Only time will tell whether the former Chief Justice will heed these warnings or take on a new challenge beyond his days in the judiciary.
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