People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has dismissed suggestions that Kenya’s united opposition has already settled on a presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, saying no formal process has begun to select a flag bearer.
Speaking during Family Day celebrations at St James Catholic Church in Difathas, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Karua urged opposition leaders to avoid making premature declarations that could fracture the coalition before it agrees on a common path forward.
“We have not yet established the rules and structures for making any announcements. So if anyone says they are making an announcement, they are speaking for themselves, not for the United Opposition,” Karua told the congregation.
Her remarks come as speculation continues to grow over who will challenge President William Ruto in 2027. Recent political discussions have centred on reports that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had secured backing from some opposition figures, including Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, to become the coalition’s preferred presidential candidate.
Karua did not mention any leader by name but stressed that the coalition had not reached a collective decision.
Call for unity before competition
The former Justice Minister said the opposition’s strength would depend on its ability to remain united throughout the selection process.
“If we rush ahead at high speed and leave everyone behind, we will never reach our destination. Let us journey together as one people all Kenyans,” she said.
Karua added that once coalition leaders agree on a framework for choosing a candidate, everyone involved should support whoever emerges as the flag bearer.
The debate over the opposition ticket has intensified in recent weeks. Kalonzo has repeatedly maintained that he is best placed to lead the coalition into the next election and has said some opposition leaders have already identified him as their preferred candidate.
Other coalition principals, however, insist that consultations are still ongoing and that no official endorsement has been made.
Criticism of government conduct
Beyond electoral politics, Karua criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over reports of abductions and the deaths of young people during recent demonstrations.
She condemned what she described as violence against citizens and called for an end to political intimidation.
“We are also not going to accept manufactured violence through goonism. It is time to unite and liberate our country,” she said.
Karua also challenged what she described as the growing influence of money in politics, arguing that wealth alone should not determine leadership.
“A person may have money but lack leadership qualities. Leadership is about one’s character, principles and actions. If they don’t respect or care about the people they lead, they will only hurt them,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to evaluate leaders based on integrity and public service rather than campaign promises or displays of wealth.
Ngirici joins criticism
Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici echoed Karua’s concerns, accusing the government of failing to safeguard young Kenyans.
“We must keep saying this again and again: stop abducting our children. Stop killing our youth. It is not right. Only God has the right to take life,” Ngirici said.
She called on voters to reflect carefully on the country’s leadership ahead of the 2027 election, arguing that leaders should be judged by their actions and values rather than political rhetoric.
While the race for the opposition ticket is gathering momentum, Karua’s message was clear: the coalition has yet to decide who will carry its presidential hopes, and any announcement made before a collective agreement, she said, represents an individual position rather than that of the alliance.
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