David Maraga vs Peter Salasya

They differ most on institutions and power-sharing, political style, civil liberties. They sit close on land, wealth and taxes.

Where do you land?

Dimension by dimension

MaragaSalasya
Role of the state in the economyLeans state-led S
Why

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

No record
Land, wealth and taxesLeans strong redistribution S
Why

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)

Leans strong redistribution
Why

Voted no on the Finance Bill 2024 at second reading in June 2024. (low confidence)

Social valuesLeans socially progressive
Why

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)

No record
Institutions and power-sharingChecks and devolution
Why

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)

Leans checks and devolution S
Why

Defended the constituency and women's funds (CDF and NGAAF), saying cutting them would 'reduce them to beggars'. Speaking for money that is spent locally, in his own interest as an MP too. (low confidence)

Political styleLeans anti-establishment
Why

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)

Anti-establishment S
Why

Outspoken, populist positioning against the political class (low volume of policy evidence). (low confidence)

Civil libertiesLiberty-first
Why

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)

Leans liberty-first H
Why

An arrest drew condemnation from Senator Omtatah (charge and outcome not verified). Hearsay: counted at the lightest weight. (low confidence)

Placed mainly from what each did; S marks stated positions and H hearsay, which count less. Method.

On the issues voters rank highest
Who they are

David Maraga: Chief Justice 2016 to 2021. United Green Movement (UGM) presidential candidate for 2027. A constitutionalist and rights-first reformer whose record is strongest on institutions and civil liberties. His economic positions are stated plans, not a record.

Peter Salasya: Mumias East MP since 2022. 2027 presidential aspirant. Mostly words so far: a populist, anti-establishment voice who voted against the 2024 Finance Bill and defends constituency funds. Little legislative record, so his placements are light.

Biographies: David Maraga · Peter Salasya

Full records

More comparisons

All comparisons