Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has publicly dismissed former Chief Justice David Maraga’s unconventional approach to campaigning for the 2027 presidency, turning his fire on Maraga’s newly launched fundraising website.
According to Cherargei, no amount of well-meaning donations from Kenyans can realistically finance a viable presidential run in Kenya’s complex and high-cost political arena.
Maraga, who officially declared his interest in the presidency on June 18, launched the campaign platform on July 18, urging Kenyans both at home and abroad to support his cause financially and through volunteering.
The donation range starts from as little as Ksh100 to Ksh50,000 locally, and $5 to $25 internationally, with an option for custom amounts. The ex-CJ, known for his anti-corruption stance and legal integrity, also revealed he’d contribute between one and two million shillings of his own money to the campaign.
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But Cherargei, a close ally of President William Ruto, was quick to pour cold water on the idea. Speaking via his X (formerly Twitter) account on July 19, the outspoken senator questioned Maraga’s political strategy.
“Just like I advised my brother Senator Omtatah, to run an effective Presidential campaign, you need at least seven billion shillings,” he said. “Rtd. Chief Justice Maraga should know that in Kenya, a fundraiser can never fund campaigns even of a Member of the County Assembly!”
In an even sharper jab, Cherargei brought up the example of Morara Kebaso, suggesting he struggled to raise fuel money despite also fundraising, raising doubts about the practicality and sincerity behind Maraga’s fundraising drive.
“If Morara Kebaso was fundraising for fuel only, yet he could not manage. Is Maraga looking for votes or money? Which is which?” he quipped sarcastically.
Maraga, however, appears undeterred. His campaign emphasizes grassroots involvement, transparency, and citizen-driven political reform. Beyond fundraising, the website invites Kenyans to volunteer their time and ideas, hinting at a broader civic movement built on integrity, justice, and anti-graft ideals.
Whether or not this citizen-led approach gains traction, one thing is certain: David Maraga’s entry into the 2027 race has sparked early debate about the viability of clean, crowdfunded politics in Kenya’s high-stakes electoral battlefield.
