People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Leader Martha Karua has launched her own campaign, separate from the United Opposition’s rallies and campaign roadmap.
The former Gichugu MP and Justice minister began her mobilisation rallies over the weekend, touring Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties, as other opposition leaders led by Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka (WPF), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), and Justin Muturi (DP) toured the coast.
Karua’s move has sparked speculation from a section of political commentators, who argue that she could be on her way out of the opposition camp.
Is Martha Karua leaving United Opposition?
However, Karua’s communication team told TUKO.co.ke that while the former minister had launched an independent campaign, she was still in the opposition.
They argued that PLP has a vast following across the country and Karua and other party officials needed to consolidate its bases before joining other outfits in a joint nationwide campaign.
“To be clear: she is still in the United opposition but has launched her own grassroots campaign as part of a strategy to unseat Ruto,” said the team.
Speaking in Karatina over the weekend, Karua reaffirmed her commitment to working with other like-minded Kenyans to unseat President Ruto in 2027.
“We must remove this regime and refuse to replace it with the same failure wearing a different face. A new Kenya demands service-led leaders. As for me, my record in every role I’ve upheld is written in the work that still stands today,” said the Karua.
What does Martha Karua stand for?
The former minister asked Kenyans to give her a chance to be the country’s sixth president, promising to deal with corrupt leaders and instil discipline in public service.
Karua argued that leaders ought to provide solutions to problems affecting Kenyans rather than engaging in unnecessary insults and financial competition.
She urged Kenyans to elect competent leaders and avoid falling for those who hoodwink them with handouts and unrealistic promises.
“Leadership isn’t a competition of money or a show of extravagance. You’d rather have a leader who doesn’t give you handouts, but enables you to find your livelihood,” said Karua.
Karua vied for the presidency in 2013 on the NARC Kenya ticket, but lost to Uhuru Kenyatta, coming a distant sixth in a male-dominated race.
In 2017, she unsuccessfully contested for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat, which was won by Anne Waiguru.
In 2022, Karua was named Raila Odinga’s running mate in a hotly contested presidential race won by William Ruto, with a slim margin of about 200,000 votes.
She has since declared her bid to unseat President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
