Former Chief Justice David Maraga has formally joined the United Green Movement and announced he will vie for the presidency on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general election.

Maraga said his decision was informed by the party’s values, which he noted are rooted in respect for constitutionalism.

“I am honoured to join the United Green Movement, one of the few Political Parties whose ideology and values align with my Ukatiba philosophy. We now embark on campaigning for our candidates for the by-elections, advocating for registration of voters, including those in the Diaspora, and running a value-based People’s Campaign,” Maraga wrote on X.

The UGM, co-led by former Ndhiwa MP Agostinho Neto, described the development as historic during the ceremony where Maraga was awarded his presidential certificate.

“This is the face of Kenya. This is a new dawn,” the party said in a post on X.

Maraga’s certification strengthens a campaign he had already kick-started by engaging young people, popularly known as Gen Z, as well as religious leaders.

He now enters a crowded presidential race, where President William Ruto will be seeking a second term.

Other contenders include former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was unveiled by Jubilee Party during its recent National Delegates Conference at Ngong Racecourse.

Meanwhile, the united opposition is still weighing the possibility of fronting a single candidate.

The opposition coalition comprises DAP-K under Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party, the Democracy for Citizens Party led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Kalonzo Musyoka’s WiperPatriotic Front.

Both Karua and Gachagua have declared their interest in the top seat and are pushing for the opposition’s single ticket.

In a statement, UGM said the decision to front Maraga was made in line with the party’s constitution and approved by its key organs, including the Founders Forum, the National Executive Committee and the National Governing Convention.

“In line with the resolutions of our relevant party organs, we have approved him as our 2027 presidential flag-bearer. We believe as a party that he embodies what it takes to reset, restore and rebuild Kenya,” a statement signed by secretary generals Sialo Tasur and Katto Wambua read in part.

Maraga has been rallying the youth to register as voters, saying their numbers could define the outcome of the election.

He has consistently urged Gen Z to embrace what he calls the #BalloRevolution, targeting 15 million youth voters through the #GenZ15MillionStrong campaign.

“These young people are not just hungry for change, but they are willing and ready to actively take part in effecting it,” he said on September 29 while addressing groups of young people in Kasarani, Westlands and Roysambu at the launch of the registration drive.

“I would like to urge young people to take advantage of this time to register as voters, and to spread the word about this exercise. The future belongs to you, and you must take charge of deciding how that future looks through the upcoming elections, both by-elections as well as the 2027 General elections,” he added.

“I urge you to come out in large numbers to register so that we meet our #GenZ15MillionStrong target. It is the only way to #ResetRestoreRebuild our beloved country,” he posted.

Beyond youth mobilisation, Maraga has been quietly reaching out to religious leaders, civil society and professionals in recent months to broaden his support base.

Speaking on Thursday after receiving his certificate, the former Chief Justice vowed to popularise and strengthen UGM across the country as he intensifies his campaign.