Editor’s note: Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga is a poor choice for president, according to Jacob Mosoti from Kisii.
I don’t believe that Chief Justice Emeritus Justice David Maraga would make a great president for Kenya.
And it is for the simple reason that Maraga is not a reformer. His stint in the judiciary never quite achieved anything of substance in terms of institutional reforms and the fight against corruption.
While Maraga is hailed for nullifying the 2017 poll on the basis of minor irregularities, he did not in any way implement sweeping reforms to transform the judiciary.
During his time as a chief justice, corrupt judges continued to auction justice to the highest bidder.
One of the characteristics of reformers is that they undertake a task when it is hard.
It therefore follows that we’d have witnessed tremendous changes if Maraga were a true reformer.
Instead, Maraga appeared nonchalant and at one time even seemed to protect the corrupt judges censured about corruption.
Despite a campaign to portray Maraga as a reformer, the truth is that he lacks the strength to reform the country if he were given the reins of power.
At most, Maraga would preach morality, but the cartels currently choking Kenya require a tough and decisive man like the late Tanzanian president John Pombe Magufuli.
As for the late John Pombe Magufuli, or JPM as he was better known, his work was cut out the first day in power.
JPM brought sweeping reforms to the country, and the recent development boom in Tanzania can be traced to Magufuli’s efforts in fighting cartels in the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and inside the government.
Corruption fights back
What is rarely talked about is that cartels will always fight back when their wicked hegemonies are threatened.
Institutional corruption is so rampant in Kenya that it would require a president ready to lay down his life in case the fight demands it.
Magufuli never had it easy in his days fighting the cartels. The only thing that kept him going was his determination and abhorrence for ill-accumulated wealth.
The latter could be the only factor Magufuli shares with Maraga. It goes without saying that Maraga abhors quick riches.
However, Maraga comes across as a man who revels in his own moral compass but lacks the spine to reform institutions.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and Uhuru Kenyatta once censured Maraga for his failure to fight corruption within the judiciary.
Though he never openly replied to then-president, Maraga never took any step to reform the judiciary.
Noteworthy, Maraga never faced any internal resistance typical with leaders who dare reform rotten institutions.
So, it is preposterous to expect much from a man sold to comfort and who would dare not uproot deep roots of corruption.
In short, Maraga may not engage in corrupt practices as president but may not have the guts required to rid Kenya of corruption.
Comfort
Apart from grit, fighting corruption in Kenya would require intellectual rigour and teamwork from willing parties. I’m not sure if David Maraga possesses the two traits.
While the current leadership has lowered the leadership bar to an unprecedented level, I think as Kenyans we need to engage our critical thinking faculties and avoid being carried away with emotion.
We need a new president in 2027 whose one of chief qualities must be a daredevil reformer of the deeply rotten government institutions.
Kenyans like Maraga can occupy other key positions in government that may not require revolutionary reforms.
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