Party Leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Martha Karua, has confirmed she will contest the presidency in Kenya’s 2027 general election.
Speaking to Kenyans in the United States on Saturday, Karua ruled out serving again as a running mate, saying her time in that role ended after the 2022 elections.
“In case you hadn’t known, I am vying for the presidency. I said I am done with running mate business, having finished that era in 2022,” Karua told the gathering.
The event, which was also attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, drew a crowd of Kenyan diaspora voters eager to hear from key political figures ahead of the next national poll.
A Clear Break from the Past
Karua served as Raila Odinga’s running mate under the Azimio la Umoja coalition during the 2022 elections. The pair lost to President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
While Karua said she’s determined to lead the opposition’s charge, she also made clear that she would not accept being number two again even if someone else is picked as the coalition’s flagbearer.
“If in the unlikely event another person is chosen as a candidate, I will subordinate my ambitions and support without being a running mate because Kenya is bigger than anyone else,” she said.
“But for now, I am working so hard, and I’m going to work day and night to be that candidate.”
Campaigning on Rule of Law
Karua, a seasoned lawyer and former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, placed the rule of law at the heart of her message. She said Kenya’s biggest problem lies in its leaders’ disregard for the Constitution.
“If the whole idea about governance is about rule of law, I think I have those qualifications,” Karua said.
“I think I have lived up to the rule of law and good governance.”
She referred to her 2009 resignation from Kibaki’s Cabinet as a mark of principle, citing frustration in fulfilling her duties due to political interference.
Criticism of Ruto’s Government
Karua didn’t mince her words on the current administration, calling President Ruto’s regime a “disaster” and comparing it unfavourably with previous governments. She pledged that the opposition would not ease up in its efforts to challenge the Kenya Kwanza leadership.
She also encouraged Kenyans living abroad to become more involved in political affairs back home by joining parties they believe in and registering as voters.
“Don’t just follow politics online,” she urged. “Be part of it.”
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