Former Chief Justice David Maraga has firmly ruled out the possibility of collaborating with President William Ruto, stating that their fundamental values are incompatible.

In a candid interview with Radio Maisha, Maraga emphasized that he could never work with the current administration, even if such an alliance was said to be in the country’s best interest.

“How can I work with him (Ruto)? We can’t work together because his values are completely different from mine,” Maraga said.

While he categorically rejected working with Ruto, Maraga signaled a willingness to engage with other political figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. However, he made it clear that any potential alliance with Gachagua would be contingent on a shared commitment to the rule of law and service to the Kenyan people.

“Gachagua, we will sit down and see what they want to do for the people of Kenya,” Maraga asserted. “If it is to do with 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, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the Ruto-led administration, noted that his decision to run for the presidency in 2027 was born out of a deep concern for the country’s governance. He has positioned himself as a direct alternative to President Ruto, offering what he describes as clean, accountable, and ethical leadership.

“It is the way things are run in this country. If we all stay back and watch, we will find ourselves drowning in the Indian Ocean. Everyone will suffer,” he warned. “We should not let those in power mess the country up while we are watching.”

While he has yet to declare which political party he will use to seek the presidency, Maraga has repeatedly stated that he is committed to bringing about change in Kenya’s leadership.