Karua gives Ruto demands on honouring Raila
By Kiprono Keileb, October 21, 2025The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called on President William Ruto to honour the late Raila Odinga through meaningful action rather than symbolic gestures.
Speaking during a political talk show hosted by a local television station on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Karua said that Raila’s legacy was rooted in sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering fight for justice, freedom, and democracy, values she believes should be upheld, not just celebrated.
“Raila’s life, most of his life, was always in trenches fighting for the people; in fact, together with his family, it was a sacrifice that he involved the family,” she said.
Karua reflected on how the former prime minister spent much of his life confronting injustices and pushing for reforms that shaped Kenya’s democratic space. She noted that these sacrifices came at a great personal cost to both him and his family, who often endured long periods of separation as Raila fought for the country’s liberation.
“He was away from the family many times because of his stand in fighting for his people on fighting for people,” Karua added, painting a picture of a man whose political journey was marked by pain, courage, and unwavering commitment.
The seasoned politician said that to truly honour Raila, Kenya’s leadership must go beyond speeches and ceremonies. She urged the government to uphold the principles Raila stood for: democracy, accountability, and protection of citizens’ rights.
“To honour him is not just decorating him with medals posthumously, it is actually ensuring that what he stood for is what is happening. Let us not have empty words, that is what I would tell William Ruto,” Karua said.
Her remarks come at a time when the nation continues to mourn Raila Odinga, a man widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and reform champions. Karua’s message was both a tribute and a challenge, reminding those in power that the true measure of honour lies not in ceremony, but in continuity of purpose.
She concluded her statement by emphasising that Kenyans must safeguard the democratic values Raila fought for, ensuring his lifelong mission for justice and equality lives on through actions, not just words.