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.
Dimension by dimension
| Maraga | Salasya | |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the state in the economy | Leans state-led SWhyUGM petitioned Parliament for a state-funded Sh300 billion youth jobs and cash-for-work programme. (low confidence) | No record |
| Land, wealth and taxes | Leans strong redistribution SWhySays 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 redistributionWhyVoted no on the Finance Bill 2024 at second reading in June 2024. (low confidence) |
| Social values | Leans socially progressiveWhyHis 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-sharing | Checks and devolutionWhyAs 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 SWhyDefended 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 style | Leans anti-establishmentWhyLeft 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 SWhyOutspoken, populist positioning against the political class (low volume of policy evidence). (low confidence) |
| Civil liberties | Liberty-firstWhyMarched 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 HWhyAn 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
Cost of living
Maraga: S Says the tax burden falls on low- and middle-income earners while revenue is lost to graft (April 2026).
Salasya: D Voted no on the Finance Bill 2024 at second reading.
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