Former Chief Justice David Maraga is redefining what it means to lead from the front. Once known for his calm authority on the Supreme Court bench, Maraga is now meeting ordinary Kenyans on dusty village roads — shaking hands, listening, and smiling beneath the bright green banner of the United Green Movement (UGM).
On Monday, October 6, 2025, Maraga took his campaign trail to Siaya County, where he rallied support for Dr. Benson Obol Otieno, UGM’s candidate in the upcoming Ugunja by-election which is slated for late November, this year.
The retired CJ, who was recently unveiled as UGM’s presidential flag bearer, posted a short video clip on his X page showing him interacting warmly with residents. His message was brief, but carried conviction.
“Great to see the enthusiastic reception of our @UGMParty candidate for the Ugunja parliamentary seat, Dr. Benson Obol Otieno. Kenya is ready for a reset! Kenya is ready for change! Erokamano,” he said.
For many in Siaya, seeing Maraga — once the symbol of Kenya’s judicial independence — walking among them was both surprising and inspiring. To them, his entry into active politics represents a bridge between moral integrity and practical leadership.
During his unveiling as UGM’s presidential hopeful last week, the party’s leadership handed him a green flag and and a green hoodie, symbols of renewal and a new beginning. The unveiling event marked a rare moment when law, faith, and politics seemed to converge around one man’s vision of “resetting” Kenya.
In a statement, the UGM party reaffirmed its intention to champion ethical and visionary politics.
“We joined UGM Party Parliamentary Candidate Dr. Benson Obol as he launches his campaign ahead of the November by-elections in Ugunja, Siaya County. The Greens will always field visionary candidates who have the people at heart. We look forward to bringing this home,” read part of former Chief Justice’s statement.
Ugunja seat fell vacant after the former area legislator, Opiyo Wandayi, was appointed to President William Ruto’s government as Cabinet Secretary for Energy. The race has since attracted several aspirants, including Moses Omondi of ODM — who won the party’s primaries on September 26, 2025 — alongside Fredrick Odhiambo Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), Chris Budo (Democratic Action Party–Kenya), Joseph Alur, and Sam Okoyo.
For Maraga, Ugunja is more than just a political battleground — but the testing ground for his new political philosophy: that Kenya’s renewal must begin from the grassroots, one handshake at a time.
