Maraga: I will not steal from you or appoint thieves

Former Chief Justice and 2027 presidential aspirant David Maraga has pledged to lead a corruption-free government if elected president.

Maraga said the fight against graft can only succeed if it is driven by political goodwill from the top.

Speaking during an interview with NTV, the United Green Movement Party presidential hopeful challenged Kenyans to scrutinise the integrity records of those seeking leadership positions ahead of the next general election.

Maraga said his public service record speaks for itself, insisting he has never been implicated in any corruption scandal throughout his career in the Judiciary and public service.

“Look at the people who are telling you they will fight corruption. Look at their records,” Maraga said.

“I want Kenyans to look at my record. I have not been involved in any corruption scandal.”

The former chief justice vowed that under his administration, public resources would be protected and strict accountability measures would be enforced to ensure corruption is not tolerated at any level of government.

“I will not, and I have said it before, steal from the public. I will not allow my family to steal from the public. I will not allow the officers I have appointed to work with me steal from the public,” he said.

Maraga expressed concern over what he described as widespread schemes to loot public resources, arguing that corruption continues to undermine development efforts and deny Kenyans essential services.

Look at what is happening today, there are schemes to steal left, right and centre,” he said.

According to Maraga, the battle against corruption begins with leadership and requires unwavering commitment from those at the top.

He said while it may not be possible to completely eradicate graft within a single presidential term, a determined administration can significantly reduce the vice by creating a culture of accountability.

“Corruption can only be fought effectively right from the top. When you have goodwill from the top,” he said.

“Of course you cannot eliminate it completely in five years. I don’t want to be naïve, but you will have sent a message. The moment everybody knows they do it at their own risk, they will start to minimise it.”

“It is political will right from the top.”

Maraga’s remarks come at a time when corruption remains one of Kenya’s most persistent governance challenges.

Despite numerous anti-corruption campaigns, legislative reforms and the establishment of oversight institutions, cases involving embezzlement of public funds, procurement irregularities and abuse of office continue to dominate public discourse.

Maraga’s anti-corruption pledge is expected to form a key pillar of his 2027 presidential campaign as he seeks to position himself as a reform-minded leader focused on integrity, accountability and the rule of law.