David Maraga vs Okiya Omtatah

UGM petitioned Parliament for a state-funded Sh300 billion youth jobs and cash-for-work programme. (low confidence)

Went to court to stop the sale of Kenya Pipeline Company, arguing the privatisation was driven by IMF pressure. The High Court declined interim orders in February 2026. (medium confidence)

Says the tax burden falls on low- and middle-income earners while revenue is lost to graft, and called the government's tax policy 'economic terrorism' (April 2026). (low confidence)

His 2020 advisory sought to enforce the constitutional rule that no more than two-thirds of Parliament be of one gender. His personal faith (Seventh-day Adventist) is not counted. (medium confidence)

As Chief Justice he led the Supreme Court majority that annulled the August 2017 presidential election, and in September 2020 advised the President to dissolve Parliament for failing to pass the two-thirds gender law. In June 2026 a five-judge High Court bench ruled that advisory premature and procedurally unconstitutional. (high confidence)

Has brought many constitutional petitions against government actions. His challenge to the Finance Act 2023, with others, led the High Court to strike down the Housing Levy in November 2023. The levy was later re-enacted under a separate housing law. (high confidence)

Left the bench for opposition politics on a small party outside the main coalitions. As a former head of the Judiciary he is not an outsider in the usual sense. (medium confidence)

An independent-minded senator who says he will run even as a 'lone ranger' and faults the opposition for having no agenda beyond removing Ruto. (medium confidence)

Marched with families of protest victims in July 2025 and was tear-gassed. Arrested on 8 June 2026 at a protest against excising Nairobi National Park land, and refused to leave the police station until the others held were released. (medium confidence)

Publicly condemned the arrest of MP Peter Salasya and vowed to fight it. (low confidence)