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Maraga: Why we travelled to Tanzania to stand with Tundu Lissu
Former Chief Justice David Maraga.
What you need to know:
- Former CJ said they went to Tanzania to support a friend and to champion democratic values.
- Maraga warned that silencing dissenting voices would stall democratic progress in the region.
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga has explained why he and other high-profile Kenyans travelled to Tanzania, saying the trip was solely meant to show solidarity with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing a treason case.
Mr Maraga, who held a meeting with youth leaders in Kwale, said his recent trip to Tanzania, which stirred public debate after activist Boniface Mwangi was detained for several days, had no ill-intentions.
Opposition politician Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and activist Hanifa Adan were among those deported from Dar es Salaam upon arrival. Ugandan human rights defender Agather Atuhaire, like Mr Mwangi, was detained and released days later with reports that they had been tortured.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga greets Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu at a court in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on May 19, 2025.
“We went to Tanzania to support a friend and to champion democratic values in East Africa. We had no intention of meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs,” said the former CJ.
He expressed dismay over Mr Mwangi’s arrest and the treatment he received while in custody.
“It is unfortunate that Mwangi was subjected to inhumane treatment. He was released in a weak state in Ukunda, which should concern every defender of human rights,” he said.
Justice Maraga also warned that silencing dissenting voices would stall democratic progress in the region.
“East Africa cannot move forward if leaders continue to suppress opposition voices. Democracy demands tolerance and inclusion,” he added.
Mr Maraga officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Friday at Kombani in Kwale County during the launch of United Green Movement (UGM) party offices, Mr Maraga said his decision to enter politics is driven by a desire to steer Kenya in a new direction, especially in the fight against corruption.
“I believe the time has come for honest and principled leadership. I am ready to work with UGM and like-minded parties to bring real change. My top priority is to root out corruption and ensure that public resources benefit ordinary citizens,” Mr Maraga said.
Mr Maraga, who is best remembered for annulling the 2017 presidential election and standing firm on judicial independence, painted a picture of a nation that has lost its moral compass and urgently needs reform-minded leadership.
“We cannot continue to normalise theft and impunity. Kenyans deserve a government that is accountable and transparent,” he added.
His announcement was warmly received by UGM party leader Agostino Neto, who declared the party’s full support for Mr Maraga’s bid to occupy State House.
“We believe Mr Maraga is the kind of leader this country needs right now. He has the integrity, courage, and clarity of vision to cleanse the nation and ensure proper management of public resources,” said Mr Neto.
Addressing Kwale residents, Neto added, “If Maraga becomes president, regions like Kwale will greatly benefit from a more equitable distribution of resources.”
The former CJ revealed that he will be traversing the country in the coming months to share his vision and build support for his presidential campaign.
“I will engage Kenyans from all walks of life. I want to listen to their concerns and work with them towards a government that truly serves the people,” he said.
If successful, Maraga would be the first retired Chief Justice in Kenya’s history to vie for the presidency.