Karua insists she'll be on the ballot in 2027, eyes United Opposition's presidential ticket

The People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has maintained that her bid to challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election will not be derailed, insisting that she will be on the ballot.

Karua, who was the late Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 polls, said she is firmly part of the United Opposition and expressed confidence that she will clinch the coalition’s presidential ticket.

The PLP party leader said she has what it takes to outmanoeuvre her male competitors within the alliance and emerge as the coalition’s flag bearer, setting the stage for a showdown with President Ruto.

“Nitawania kiti cha urais cha 2027. Kwa sasa, hakuna mama mwingine amejitokeza, ni mimi pekee kati ya ndugu zangu lakini hawanibabaishi; ata uwe na pesa kiasi gani tutapelekana na mwishowe utakuta ni Martha ameingia,” she said.

Speaking during celebrations to mark International Women's Day organised by Amka Mama Vision Association in Mwihoko, Ruiru, Kiambu County, Karua said her presidential quest is driven by the desire to improve service delivery and transform leadership in the country.

She urged women not to shy away from politics, encouraging them to actively pursue elective positions in order to influence governance and push for meaningful change.

“I am not looking for power or pride, in more than 14 years, I have not been in any elective seat. The last seat was in 2012, but my voice has not faltered, I’m still serving my people without a salary or position. So understand I am not looking for any position,” she said.

Karua said greater participation of women in leadership is key to strengthening democracy and ensuring inclusive development.