Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah tore into former Chief Justice David Maraga over his recent remarks and campaign tactics.
Speaking at a grassroots event in Molo on August 3, Ichung’wah blasted Maraga for what he termed as hypocrisy and elitism, criticizing the former CJ’s call for public donations to support his bid for the presidency.
“Yesterday I saw someone asking people if you get Ksh 1000, what will it help you with,” Ichung’wah said. “I want to tell him, leave alone one thousand, even Ksh 500 will help you people of Molo.”
The Majority Leader defended ongoing economic empowerment programs, which have drawn criticism, including Maraga, who has questioned their effectiveness and motives.
Ichung’wah to Maraga
Ichung’wah shot back, suggesting Maraga was out of touch with ordinary Kenyans and blind to the value of even the smallest economic interventions.
“You have been in government for over 50 years, you have been Chief Justice of Kenya, you have earned your salary, and you are seeking presidential seats,” Ichung’wah continued.
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“You don’t want us to do empowerment, but you, the position that you are looking for, you are telling Kenyans to contribute to you so that you get money for the campaign.”
His remarks appeared to be a direct response to Maraga’s campaign team, which recently launched an online fundraising appeal seeking support from well-wishers to fuel his 2027 presidential ambitions.
While Maraga had defended the move as a sign of transparency and citizen engagement, Ichung’wah painted it as both ironic and detached from the realities of the common mwananchi.
Maraga on Govt Empowerments
This comes a day after David Maraga indicated he may vie for the presidency in the upcoming general election, and had harshly criticized the empowerment drives currently being carried out by Kenya Kwanza leaders.
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Speaking during a town hall meeting in Kirinyaga focused on economic growth and job creation, Maraga urged Kenyans not to be deceived by short-term financial handouts that, in his view, compromise the country’s long-term development.
He questioned the origin of funds being distributed during these events, particularly those targeting women’s groups.
“They come around with this talk of empowerment — what kind of empowerment is that? You’re handed Ksh.1000 and expected to be satisfied. Ask yourself, where did that money come from?” he said.
“That’s your own money, stolen from public coffers and returned to you in the name of empowerment,” Maraga added. “And the very people who took it are now pretending to care about your well-being. Don’t fall for it — there’s nothing genuine about it.”
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