Former Chief Justice David Maraga has said he will be on the ballot in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday in Kisii after a church service, Maraga said he is ready to offer himself for the top job from where he will be able to initiate change.

The former CJ was, however, quick to point out that the final word rests with the electorate, while dismissing that he is not anyone's project.

"At the end of the day, it is the people who will decide. Just relax, wait and in due course you will make your mind yourself whether or not I'm a state project," he said.

Maraga added: "We are praying that they (IEBC Selection Panel) select fit people; honest people to deliver a free and fair election."

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His declaration comes amid a stance by a section of top Kisii leaders led by Senator Richard Onyonka that the region's preferred presidential candidate to battle it out with President William Ruto at the polls is former Interior CS Fred Matiangi.

"We have decided that as a community we are also going to set up our own political party. We are going to produce our own candidate who will negotiate with the President and all the other people who are running for political office in this country and that candidate is none other than Fred Matiangi," Onyonka said.

Maraga recently welcomed endorsement by the Gen Z to vie for the presidency, stating that he is discussing the matter with various stakeholders.

Speaking after a public lecture at Rongo University in Migori county on March 27, Maraga said he would make the final decision public.

“The request has been made; I'm discussing it with various stakeholders. I will make a final decision, and when the time comes, we will see whether or not we will do that,” he said.

The former CJ stated that one should clearly understand the power of the contribution that one has to make when they earn an elective position.

He added that anyone seeking an elective position should decide to serve in accordance with the requirement of the seat.

Maraga noted that he is ready to serve, citing his tenure at the Judiciary.

“I was head of one arm of government. There is no magic about being a head of another arm of government,” he said.

He stated that he knew well the problems facing Kenyans, listing corruption as the major issue.

“The major problem in this country is corruption. Budgeted and institutional corruption that is not been solved effectively and as a result, the country is not able to have enough resources to deal with the issues that are there,” Maraga said.