United Green Movement presidential flagbearer David Maraga has unveiled the leadership team that will spearhead his 2027 presidential campaign.
In a statement on Monday, July 20, Maraga announced the appointment of Mkawasi Mcharo and David Makali to the secretariat.
The Maraga Presidential Campaign Secretariat will be headquartered in Kileleshwa, Nairobi County.
Mcharo will serve as Co-Executive Director of the secretariat, overseeing strategy, policy and diaspora affairs, while Makali has been appointed Communication Coordinator.
Maraga described Mcharo as a seasoned scholar and leader with more than two decades of experience in leadership and management, saying her expertise would be instrumental in shaping the campaign’s policy agenda.
“She has a long record of engagement on social justice and governance issues. Ms. Mcharo is also one of the founding members and former Chair of the Kenya Community Abroad, based in the United States, a position she used effectively in bringing the diaspora into the promise of the Kenyan Constitution through dual citizenship and initiating the first Kenya Presidential Debate,” Maraga stated.
Mcharo holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts from Hunter College in New York, a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from Norwich University in Vermont, and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of Nairobi.
She is also pursuing doctoral research at Howard University focusing on political belonging and the emergence of nations.
The former Chief Justice also praised Makali as a respected political communication strategist and veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in civil society and the media.
According to the former Chief Justice, Makali’s experience in editorial leadership and political communication will strengthen the campaign’s public engagement and messaging.
“He has held senior editorial management positions and served as a communications consultant for various organizations. A renowned editor and political analyst, Mr. Makali brings invaluable skills and experience to the campaign.
“An advocate of press freedom, human rights and good governance, Mr. Makali received the Press Freedom Warrior Award for 2025 from the Kenya Editors Guild,” Maraga said.
Makali holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Moi University.
