Maraga Vows to Fight Tribal Politics, Aims for Nationwide Support
Chief Justice Emeritus and presidential aspirant David Maraga has dismissed calls for him to focus on seeking support solely from his home counties of Kisii and Nyamira.
Speaking during an interview with KTN News on Sunday night, Maraga criticized the insistence on ethnic-based backing, describing it as a harmful trend that undermines Kenya’s political system.
He labeled such pronouncements as tribal and said he intends to challenge them if elected as Kenya’s sixth president. Maraga warned that ethnic balkanization—the division of political support along tribal lines—has been a major factor preventing the country from producing strong and competent leaders.
“Some people are saying I should focus on Kisii and Nyamira and gather support from my home counties. This is exactly the type of ethnic Balkanisation I am determined to fight,” Maraga explained. “When voters choose leaders based on ethnicity instead of capability or a clear development agenda, it costs the nation dearly.”
The former Chief Justice emphasized that his political vision spans the entire country. He intends to run a campaign focused on national issues, rather than tribal loyalty, appealing to all Kenyans equally.
Maraga expressed confidence that many Kenyans are ready to move beyond ethnic politics. “We are at a critical moment in our history,” he said. “It is time to reject tribalism and focus on electing leaders based on their track record, competence, and commitment to serve all Kenyans.”
He added, “Even though I come from the Kisii community, my home region alone cannot elect me. To succeed, I need support from across the country.”
Since announcing his presidential bid, some local politicians have urged Maraga to step aside and support his tribesman, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Matiang’i, who has aligned himself with the United Opposition, enjoys strong backing from Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Matiang’i resigned from his position at the World Bank in Latin America to pursue the presidency and appears to have the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
This development has created a political tug-of-war within the Kisii community, as Maraga continues to advocate for a national, issue-driven approach to leadership rather than a narrow, tribal-based campaign.
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