Maraga Says Diaspora Kenyans Reject National Tallying Centre Ahead of 2027 Election
Maraga said the concerns emerged during two town hall meetings he held with Kenyans in the diaspora in Baltimore, Maryland, and Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 19 and 20.
Nairobi, Kenya - Former Chief Justice and 2027 presidential contender David Maraga has revealed that diaspora Kenyans in the United States are opposed to the establishment of a national tallying centre ahead of the 2027 General Election. During two town hall meetings held in Baltimore, Maryland, and Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 19 and 20, participants voiced concerns over healthcare, education, corruption, governance, foreign influence, land deals in Africa, and the financial strain of remittances to families in Kenya.
Maraga stated that "young Kenyans at the meetings also raised concerns about foreign influence in Kenya, including what they described as manipulation behind legislation such as the Cyber Crimes Bill." The former Chief Justice also informed the diaspora communities about the People's Coalition on Electoral Reforms, which he co-leads, and its five proposed mandatory reforms for the 2027 polls.
These proposals include the abolition of the national tallying centre, an enhanced audit and integrity of the voters' register, stricter penalties for electoral offenses, pre-tested and independently scrutinized election technology, and strengthened safeguards for IEBC personnel and administrative processes.
Despite facing criticism from government officials, such as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who defends the national tallying process, Maraga emphasized that his manifesto would prioritize education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth unemployment. He highlighted his experience as Chief Justice and pledged to make corruption a central priority of his administration, implementing existing anti-corruption laws while digitizing government procurement and other government processes.
Regarding foreign policy, Maraga outlined an "Africaward looking" approach, aiming to strengthen African countries' collective negotiating position on the global stage by pursuing a broader pan-African strategy on economic and security matters.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
