Martha Karua, party leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and a presidential aspirant for 2027, reaffirmed her commitment to contest the next elections, describing herself as determined to lead the opposition and challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Sunday, Karua expressed concern over recent political disruptions and the increasing use of tear gas at public gatherings.
Reflecting on the recent Kitengela rally in Kajiado County, she said, “Shame on the government of President William Ruto. We shouldn’t be having leaders lobbed with tear gas unnecessarily when they are exercising their right to assemble and to express themselves. The rally was calm. It was massive. There was nothing untoward. What is the reason for the tear gas?” Karua condemned the government’s approach, urging collective action to ensure that campaigning remains peaceful in Kenya.
The debate comes as Kenya gears up for the 2027 presidential election with several high‑profile figures positioning themselves for the contest against President William Ruto, whose government faces rising public discontent over the cost of living and taxation policies.
President Ruto has signalled his intention to seek re‑election, emphasising achievements in agricultural productivity and infrastructure while asserting that the economy remains strong ahead of the polls.
The PLP leader commented on the internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of Baba, highlighting the growing divisions in the party, with the recent ouster of ODM SG, Edwin Sifuna by the party leadership led by Oburu Oginga.
Karua observed that Ruto is slowly splitting the ODM Party.
“One can see his hand, the shadow of his hand splitting ODM Right from before Baba was buried, there was a section of the party saying that Baba left them firmly in government and that they’ll be supporting William Ruto come 2027. There then was Sifuna and others saying not so, this split is about supporting or not supporting William Ruto,” she said.
Karua, who is eying the 2027 Presidency, joins the list of apirants such as Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, Eliud Owalo, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Boniface Mwangi, a human rights activist and Kalonzo Musyoka, who is the Wiper Party Leader, and many more, maintains their bid to ouster President Ruto come 2027 is still alive.
Despite political fractures, Karua emphasised openness and inclusivity within the opposition.
“All Kenyans, not just members of ODM who share our ideals, are welcome. It’s wide open. There will be political realignments, but right now I think it would be best to let them settle,” she said, reinforcing her party’s willingness to work across political divides.
Addressing her own presidential ambitions, Karua made it clear she is focused on being a flagbearer rather than a running mate.
“I’ll do my best to be on the ballot under the auspices of the United opposition. We need unity of purpose to get this regime that has its boots on the throats of Kenyans home. I know one thing I won’t be, it’s a running mate. I had enough of it in 2022,” she explained.
Karua was confident about her ability to win in a fair election. “I think I can beat President William Ruto easily in a free and fair election. But we are preparing to guard and to ensure that the election is not rigged,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to both campaigning and election integrity.
The PLP leader also spoke about the broader opposition landscape, stressing the importance of letting each aspirant demonstrate their viability to the electorate.
“Everybody stands a chance. Let them get out and get to the people. It is not for me to say so and so has little chance. Let everybody put their best foot forward and leave it to Kenyans,” she said.
On potential running mates and coalition strategies, Karua indicated flexibility. She noted, “When we nominate a presidential candidate, that candidate must have the leeway to nominate a running mate of choice within some agreed parameters. It’s not a must that the running mate must come from that pool. Other people can walk in and become members of the United opposition.”
Karua’s interview further highlighted her focus on engaging directly with Kenyans, emphasising polls and research as critical in understanding the electorate’s preferences.
“Even when I was chosen running mate in the previous election, it wasn’t just about that interview at Serena. It was also about research polls. The feeling of the people is a key consideration,” she said.
With the 2027 elections still months away, Karua appears determined to solidify her presence and leverage her experience in Kenya’s political landscape, positioning herself as a leading opposition figure capable of challenging the current administration.
