Maraga Pledges Strict Constitutionalism Under Ukatiba Movement, Slams Ruto Administration
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has vowed to restore strict constitutionalism under his Ukatiba Movement, promising predictable laws and certain consequences as the foundation of his leadership agenda.
In a New Year message, Maraga sharply criticised President William Ruto’s administration, blaming Kenya’s persistent corruption and economic hardship on the normalisation of impunity. He argued that faithful adherence to the 2010 Constitution would re-establish accountability, justice and public trust.
“Under Ukatiba, consequences will be certain, justice will be impartial, and the law will be predictable. When that happens, corruption stops being a system and becomes a risk,” Maraga said.
He warned that Kenya is facing a serious test of its values and institutions, citing rising poverty, alleged misuse of public funds and the weakening of oversight bodies. According to Maraga, the current administration is presiding over an economy that benefits a few while millions of Kenyans struggle with the high cost of living.
Maraga also criticised the management of key public sectors, saying the education sector has been mismanaged while the healthcare system has been undermined through what he termed the siphoning of billions of shillings via a “shambolic SHA system” that has failed to deliver services to citizens.
Placing the Constitution at the centre of his reform agenda, Maraga described it not merely as a legal document but as a moral covenant between citizens and their leaders.
“My commitment to you is simple and unwavering: to govern through Ukatiba — constitutionalism in word, spirit and deed,” he said, emphasising that leadership is a public service, not an entitlement, and that no one should be above the law.
Independent institutions and devolution
Maraga pledged to restore the independence and dignity of state institutions, promising that investigators, prosecutors, auditors and judges would be allowed to perform their duties without fear or political interference.
He said integrity in public office would be non-negotiable, with public resources safeguarded through transparent, honest and accountable governance. He also committed to strengthening devolution, arguing that shared power and accountability at all levels of government are critical to service delivery and economic recovery.
According to Maraga, strict adherence to the Constitution would help rebuild an economy that rewards honest enterprise, lowers the cost of living and expands opportunities for all Kenyans.
On social services, he promised to renew the education system to ensure equal access to quality learning, and to restore the healthcare sector by enforcing the right to health and ensuring public funds reach hospitals and clinics.
Maraga framed the Ukatiba Movement as a collective national effort rather than a personal ambition, urging Kenyans to recommit themselves to the Constitution and the rule of law to rebuild trust between citizens and the state.
“The future of this nation does not depend on one individual. It depends on our collective decision to return to the Constitution we gave ourselves,” he said.
He called on Kenyans to begin the new year with courage, patience and faith in the rule of law, expressing hope for a Kenya where justice is the norm, integrity is expected and leadership is truly accountable.
