Presidential aspirant and Chief Justice Emeritus David Kenani Maraga declared his candidacy to dislodge President William Ruto, saying he will be running on the United Green Movement (UGM) Party ticket.

Maraga was officially unveiled at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi, where he pledged to work towards popularising and building UGM for the 2027 elections.

“I accepted the call to join this party because it aligns with my personal principles and ideologies on a wide range of matters. This includes matters on the rule of law, respect for human rights and democratic governance, among others,” Maraga said as he received the party’s colours at the Green Action House in Nairobi.

He added, “I have committed to building and restoring the dignity of Kenyans as well as protecting our human rights.”

United Green Movement Party is associated with politician Neto Agostinho, who is the co-party leader with other political figures, and was active since Neto defected from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Neto was elected Member of Parliament for Ndhiwa Constituency on an ODM ticket during a September 2012 by-election and retained the seat until August 2017.

Maraga has promised to rally the party so that it not only holds the presidency but also holds the majority of seats in the next elections.

Meanwhile, the former Chief Justice dismissed President Ruto’s criticism of his recent utterance, clarifying that what he had spoken regarding the state of the nation had been misinterpreted. He said his concern was rooted in the events of the recent Gen Z protests.

“The President distorted what I said. I didn’t say Kenya is a failed state. I said that Kenya is sliding toward being a failed state based on what happened during the Gen Z protests,” Maraga stated.

Ruto had slammed Maraga for referring to Kenya as a failed state despite the latter’s years of service in government, particularly within the Judiciary.