Former Chief Justice David Maraga and UGM Presidential Candidate has condemned the rising cases of political goonism and the ongoing debate around zoning in politics, calling on leaders to embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.
His remarks spotlight unease over muscle replacing dialogue in campaign spaces across regions where loyalty is often measured by geography rather than policy.
With tempers flaring at rallies and insults passing for debate, he urged figures in power to model calm discussion instead of fueling division through silence or provocation.
According to Maraga, quiet leadership during chaos sets dangerous precedents, especially when youth with nowhere else to turn take cues from hot-headed speeches broadcast widely online.
He argued that peace can’t grow if platforms reward shouting over listening, particularly in areas still healing from past electoral violence. “Clarity matters more now – what candidates stand for should outweigh who they claim to represent based purely on birthplace”. he said
From his speech in Homa Bay Town, Maraga stressed that Kenya should leave behind harmful divisions. Ideas matter more than tribal ties when choosing leaders.
He pushed for a shift toward policy-driven governance instead of favoring regions or ethnic groups. National cohesion, he noted, gains strength when inclusion replaces old loyalties.
Maraga further noted that decisions must rise above localism through shared purpose while unity grows stronger where fairness guides political direction.
From the start, he made clear the United Green Movement stands as a nationwide force built on ideas, not identity.
It turns away from ethnic bargaining, along with rigid regional deals. Instead, it holds firm: each person in Kenya may run for office wherever they choose. Freedom to campaign exists everywhere, written into the Constitution. That right stays protected, no matter the region.
Standing firm, Maraga called on politicians to foster patience among groups so every contender could speak freely, free from threats. Interruptions sparked by paid disruptors should stop, he said, stressing calm dialogue instead of chaos.
Speaking clearly, he warned against using muscle to silence rivals mid-speech, he said peaceful involvement in politics helps protect democracy, while keeping the country united when elections come around. “When people stay calm and take part fairly, trust grows across communities.” he added.
A steady approach to voting seasons supports stability more than conflict ever could. Cooperation replaces tension, especially when voices from all sides are heard without force. Fights over power ought to center on different ideas for the nation’s path, Maraga says – not attacks, ethnic lines, or shutting out contenders because of where they come from. Facing rising tensions, he pointed to campaign chaos fueled by rigid ideologies as a risk to steady governance. Unplanned interruptions shaped by groups add strain, chipping away at how democracy grows.
Maraga urged both officials and followers to honor differing views and respect.
