Boost for Maraga as Vanguard Africa signs pro-bono deal to support his campaigns

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has secured pro bono support from US-based organisation Vanguard Africa as he takes his 2027 presidential campaign to the United States.

Documents filed under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show that Vanguard Africa entered into an agreement with Friends of Maraga on September 2, 2026, to provide advisory, international advocacy and public engagement support.

The agreement, filed with the US Department of Justice, states that the support will focus on elevating Maraga's profile and ethical leadership, as well as supporting free and fair elections in Kenya.

Vanguard Africa will provide the services on a pro bono basis until November 30, 2026, after which the two organisations will review the arrangement at a strategy meeting scheduled for December.

The agreement lists strategic advising and messaging, international advocacy and preparation for the United Nations General Assembly among the activities to be undertaken by Vanguard Africa.

The organisation has also indicated that, where feasible, it will support outreach to US policymakers, congressional offices, committees, caucuses and commissions to raise awareness about Kenya's democratic trajectory and the importance of credible, peaceful and competitive elections.

The filing identifies Friends of Maraga as a Kenyan association whose activities centre on Maraga's anti-corruption platform, servant leadership and his stated commitment to rebuilding Kenya's governance around integrity.

It also states that the organisation is not supervised, owned, directed, controlled, financed or subsidised by a foreign government, political party or other foreign principal.

Maraga, who is the Presidential Flagbearer of the UGM Party, arrived in Washington, DC on Thursday and is scheduled to visit Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Georgia, Houston and Dallas before returning to Kenya on October 5.

The former Chief Justice had earlier said the tour would provide an opportunity to engage Kenyans living in the US and discuss the country's future. His itinerary also includes engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The US tour follows Maraga's Ukatiba Caravan, which took him to 43 counties between February and April, as he sought to engage Kenyans on governance, constitutionalism and the country's democratic future.

The FARA filing further shows that Vanguard Africa registered Friends of Maraga as its foreign principal for the purposes of the agreement. It records no professional fees for the services, although pre-approved expenses, including outside vendors, non-local travel and international calls, may be billed at cost.

Vanguard Africa's agreement with Friends of Maraga runs through November 30, 2026, with the parties expected to determine the next phase of their engagement thereafter.