'All or nothing!' Karua says will not settle for deputy president post, to support United Opposition candidate

People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has ruled out taking up the position of deputy president under a United Opposition arrangement, maintaining she will either vie for the presidency or support whoever is selected as the coalition's flag bearer.

Speaking on Citizen TV's The Explainer on Tuesday night, Karua said she would respect the coalition's agreed selection process and back the candidate chosen, provided the process is conducted according to the rules set by the alliance.

Karua, who was picked as late Raila Odinga's running mate in the last election under the Azimio Coalition umbrella, expressed satisfaction that she was content with the opportunity to deputise Raila and would not wish to deputise any other candidate in the opposition faction.

"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.

Karua maintained that her decision was final, and that if another opposition leader emerged as the preferred candidate, she would fully support them but would not accept the deputy president slot.

Asked what her priorities would be in the first 100 days if elected president, Karua said restoring the rule of law would be her immediate focus to ensure the interests of citizens are protected, and lawbreakers face justice.

"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.

Karua expressed confidence that a functioning government could be restored within 90 days, citing her experience during the NARC administration that took 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 the PLP leader, effective leadership begins with those at the top setting the right example, arguing that public servants and citizens respond positively when leaders match their actions with their promises.

"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.

Karua consequently underscored that restoring normal public service delivery and holding lawbreakers accountable, regardless of their status, would form the foundation of 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.