Karua: I will do my best to be united opposition presidential candidate
By Mustafa Juma, June 15, 2026People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has declared her intention to seek the united opposition’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Sunday, June 14, 2026, during a televised night interview, Katua ruled out the possibility of serving as a running mate in any opposition coalition arrangement.
She said she would make every effort to emerge as the opposition’s preferred presidential candidate but would support whoever is ultimately selected if the process favours another contender.
“I will not be a running mate. I will do my best to be that united opposition candidate, but should somebody else be chosen, I am willing to support them without being their running mate,” Karua said.
Karua pushes for opposition unity
The veteran politician emphasised the need for a structured and transparent process to guide the selection of a single opposition flagbearer.
According to Karua, the opposition should develop a formal agreement outlining the rules that all aspirants and political parties would be required to follow before the selection process begins.
“I long for the day that we will have a written document as the opposition, rules of the game, which everybody signs, committing to abide by those rules we shall have agreed on,” she said.
She added that such a framework would help prevent divisions and ensure all parties remain united regardless of the outcome.
Calls for commitment to support the winner
Karua said one of the key principles of the proposed agreement should be a commitment by all contenders to support whoever emerges victorious.
“We shall abide by the outcome and, if you are not the one, support whoever is,” she stated.
Her remarks come as discussions intensify within opposition circles over the possibility of fielding a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the next election.
Several opposition leaders have publicly backed the idea of a united front, arguing that fragmentation could weaken efforts to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Opposition realignments gather pace
Karua’s declaration places her among a growing list of opposition figures expected to play a prominent role in shaping the political landscape ahead of 2027.
In recent months, opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi, have increased joint political activities as they seek to build momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Karua has remained a vocal critic of the government and has repeatedly called for reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, constitutionalism, and good governance.
While no formal opposition coalition has yet unveiled a selection mechanism for its presidential candidate, Karua’s comments provide an early indication of the competition that could emerge among leaders seeking to carry the opposition banner.
Her insistence that she will not accept a running mate position is likely to influence ongoing negotiations as parties work toward forging a broad-based coalition capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2027.