Martha Karua has shut the door on any possibility of becoming a deputy president candidate under the United Opposition, declaring she will only seek the presidency or throw her full weight behind whoever is picked to lead the coalition into the next General Election.
The People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader made her position clear during an interview on Citizen TV's The Explainer on Tuesday night, saying she is ready to abide by the coalition's agreed method of selecting its presidential candidate.
However, she stressed that while she will campaign for the eventual flag bearer if she is not chosen, she will not accept a place on the ticket as a running mate.
Karua said her role as Raila Odinga's running mate in the last General Election was a chapter she considers complete and has no intention of repeating with any other opposition leader.
"I will support the one who is chosen in accordance with the rules we have set. The only thing I will not do is be a running mate. That one I say. I've no wish to be a running mate. I did a good run with Raila Odinga. That's just about enough. But it's all or nothing," she said.
She maintained that her decision is not open for negotiation, adding that she remains committed to the coalition and will stand behind the candidate selected through the agreed process, but only as a supporter.
"If I am not the flag bearer, I will support hundred per cent. But I won't be a running mate," she added.
Karua also spoke about what she would prioritise if elected president, saying her administration's first assignment would be restoring respect for the rule of law and ensuring government institutions serve Kenyans effectively.
"I will immediately enforce the rule of law; make sure that we adhere to the rules of the game that we have made as Kenya, safeguard Kenyans' interests first, ensure that quality services are delivered in the critical areas of health, education, and service delivery in the various areas," she said.
She expressed confidence that turning around government operations would not take long, recalling how the NARC administration quickly changed the way government worked after taking office in 2002.
"Within 90 days, you should have a functional state. And I say that with boldness because I saw it when we came in as the NARC administration. No law was changed, not even the constitution. And within a matter of days, things were running differently," she said.
According to Karua, real change begins when leaders demonstrate integrity and honour the commitments they make to the public, setting the pace for both public servants and citizens.
"When the top shows that their actions match their words, the people of Kenya take cue. Government employees take cue. And Kenyans are very good at assisting leadership in doing the work that is supposed to be done," she said.
She said restoring normal operations in public offices and ensuring that everyone who breaks the law is held accountable, regardless of their office, would be central to her administration.
"So I would ensure that services, normal service delivery, resume, and that lawbreakers, whatever their position or rank, are dealt with. And that's how you begin transformation," she said.
Karua's announcement also settles speculation over whether she could accept the deputy president slot in a united opposition ticket. Her position leaves other coalition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee's Fred Matiang'i, former Chief Justice David Maraga and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of Linda Mwananchi, among those expected to feature in discussions on the coalition's final ticket.