Former Chief Justice David Maraga was on Sunday urged to withdraw his presidential ambitions in favor of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Speaking during a funeral in Nyamira, County Assembly Majority Leader and Rigoma MCA Nyambega Gisesa publicly asked Maraga to rally behind Matiang’i, whom he described as more popular. Nyambega, who is also the national chairman of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party, emphasized the need for the Kisii community to unite behind a single candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
“Our elder, Mr. Maraga, we have stood together before, but now, we are backing Dr. Matiang’i. As Kisii people, we should not be divided on our preferred candidate,” Nyambega told mourners after being handed the microphone by Nyamira Assembly Speaker Enock Okero.
He then posed a question to the crowd: “Whom do you choose for 2027—Maraga or Matiang’i?”
Maraga, maintaining his characteristic humility, chose not to engage in political debate. Instead, he consoled the bereaved family and urged patience regarding political matters. Summoning Nyambega to the dais, he addressed him while holding his shoulder.
“I have not come here for a political contest. I am not undermining my brother Matiang’i. When the right time comes, Kenyans will decide,” Maraga stated.
Before concluding his address, Maraga criticized leadership wrangles within the Nyamira County Assembly, which he said had affected service delivery.
“I have been here for three days, and the people of Nyamira are crying. Why can’t you, as leaders, sit down and work for them?” he urged the MCAs.
His remarks underscored growing political tensions and the need for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
