Former CJ Maraga faults education funding model, accuses Ruto government of misplaced priorities

Speaking on Friday during a funeral gathering at Kerumbe village in Nyamira County, Maraga said the current model of funding education is punitive to children from poor backgrounds and is deliberately designed to create confusion.

The former CJ said he was disturbed by reports of massive misappropriation of public funds in various government programmes, citing an estimated KSh500 million reportedly spent on Kenya's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. He argued that such money, if well managed, could be used to fund education for thousands of needy children who are currently out of school because of a lack of school fees.

"The money that is being lost in corruption and in unclear projects is enough to take our children to school. We are told there is no money for capitation, no money for HELB, but there is money to be lost in offices. That is not lack of money, that is lack of integrity," Maraga told the gathering.

Maraga, who comes from Nyamira County, faulted the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced NHIF, saying the new health scheme has become a burden to ordinary Kenyans instead of easing their access to medical care. He said many families in the villages cannot afford treatment because the system is not working.

He also took issue with the Affordable Housing Programme, arguing that Kenyans are being forced to contribute to a project they neither understand nor prioritise, while basic needs like education, health and agriculture remain underfunded.

"How do you force a mama mboga in Kerumbe to pay for a house in Nairobi when her child has been sent home for school fees? The priorities are upside down," he said.

Maraga promised that if elected president in the 2027 General Election, his first assignment would be to seal all loopholes for corruption and restore discipline in the use of public funds. He said his administration would ensure that every shilling collected from taxpayers is used for the intended purpose and that those who steal public money would face the full force of the law.

He drew from his past experience as a judicial officer and as the 14th Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya. Maraga practised law for more than 25 years before joining the Judiciary as a High Court judge in 2003. He later served as a Court of Appeal judge and finally as Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya from 2016 to 2021.

During his tenure, he was remembered for his bold and independent decisions, including the historic annulment of the 2017 presidential election, the first of its kind in Africa, which he said was proof that institutions can stand firm if led with courage. He also championed the fight against corruption in the Judiciary and insisted on living a modest, incorruptible life.

Residents who turned up at Kerumbe said they identified with Maraga's message of integrity, adding that as a son of the village who rose to the highest office in the Judiciary through honesty and hard work, he understands the struggles of ordinary families.