Former Chief Justice David Maraga has assured that his campaign will be transparent and accountable in handling public donations and data.

Maraga said that the digital platform, still under development, will include a public ticker for donations and offer channels for Kenyans to provide feedback on the evolving campaign manifesto.

“My commitment to you, as best as humanly possible, guided by integrity and constitutional fidelity, is that of complete transparency, accountability, and in the responsible handling of your resources, data, time and effort,” he said in a statement on X.

The former CJ who believe in grassroots financing, noted that within two days of launching his fundraising website, Kenyans had contributed over Sh500,000.

“I was convinced Kenyans will raise the funds and I will be elected. It has been done in the USA and other countries. Given an opportunity, we want to reset the country back to the rule of law,” Maraga said.

He further expressed gratitude to thousands of supporters who, he said, have been offering their “resources, time and effort” in unprecedented fashion. “You have already started to walk this journey with us in humble steps. Your continued contributions and volunteer sign-ups on the website are a true statement to the evolution of Kenyan politics that Kenyans have for a long time demanded,” Maraga said.

Controversial Remarks

However, the move has been overshadowed by a rift triggered by  controversial remarks from a campaign team member, threatening to derail its momentum.

During a TV appearance, Nyamisa Chelagat, a campaign secretariat member, ignited backlash after stating that the team was not banking on older voters in the coming general election.

“The young people are trying to get the majority of the votes. We said earlier that our parents can leave their IDs in the house and take a day off during the election day because we don’t trust their choices too much right now,” she said in an interview.

Chelagat cited the strength of youth numbers, claiming 14 million Kenyans aged 19–35 had the potential to determine the country’s future if they showed up in unity on election day like they did during the June 25 protests.

Her comments were met with sharp criticism from the public as offensive, ageist, and counterproductive to a campaign positioning itself as a unifying, people-powered movement.

Dr. Maina Naibei, a political analyst said the statement was ill-advised. “This is a Gen Zote movement? Yes, we agree our parents previously fumbled in their political choices, but bashing them won’t help. Civic education is what we should focus on and every vote counts,” said Naibei.

Blogger and tech policy analyst Kachwanya questioned the logic behind Chelagat’s call to sideline older voters.

“The old guys are the most reliable voting bloc. Young people are many, but the old people normally outvote them. Chelagat’s remarks do more harm than good.”

The backlash pushed Chelagat to issue a public apology within hours. “I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologise for what I said earlier. I understand that it didn’t sit well with some of you, and I take full responsibility.”

“I’d like to ask that my personal shortcomings not be made about Justice Maraga. Other than being a supporter and volunteer, I am also my own person, and like anyone else, I am not perfect.”

Speaking at an event hosted by Rotarians in Ongata Rongai, Maraga appeared to distance his campaign from such divisive rhetoric, urging for inclusivity and cooperation.

“I urged the Rotarians not to allow themselves to be divided along ethnic line; there lies the hope and opportunity to build an inclusive, utu-based nation, with economic prosperity, peace, and justice,” he said.