David Maraga announces US tour as 2027 State House race gathers pace

Former Chief Justice David Maraga will embark on a three-week tour of the United States in September 2026 as he intensifies his campaign for the 2027 presidential election. The tour will commence on September 17 and will take Maraga to various states, including Delaware, Texas, New York, and beyond, where he plans to meet Kenyan expatriates residing in the US.

Maraga stated in a post on X, "Our Constitution recognizes the Diaspora as full partners in Kenya’s future, not just a source of remittances." He emphasized that the tour would provide him an opportunity to listen, share, and engage directly with Kenyans across several states in the United States.

The United Green Movement (UGM), to which Maraga belongs, has yet to receive approval from its National Delegates Conference for his presidential candidacy. The campaign has announced that he will visit states such as Delaware, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Georgia.

Maraga's visit will also see him engaging with international leaders during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The United States is a significant source of remittances to Kenya, accounting for between 50 per cent and 60 per cent of the country's total monthly and annual diaspora inflows.

This move by Maraga to engage the diaspora comes as political activity escalates ahead of the 2027 General Election. He formally announced his intention to run for president earlier this year, after consultations with Kenyans and Gen Z groups. His campaign is centered on a plan focusing on constitutionalism, accountability, and institutional reform.