People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has said that she will inject fresh leadership into Kenya’s governance if she wins the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during a morning talk show on Kameme TV on May 26, 2025, Karua outlined her party’s mission to liberate the country from what she termed poor leadership that has resulted in economic collapse, governance failures and human rights violations.

The veteran politician stressed that she is done playing supporting roles and is ready to lead the nation to greater heights.

Reflecting on the 2022 elections, Karua noted that after losing as Raila Odinga’s running mate, their political partnership ended when Odinga joined the government.

“My pursuit of leadership isn’t driven by money or power, but by passion to serve the people and address their needs,” Karua stated.

Despite being out of formal leadership positions for twelve years, she believes her alternative service to the people has prepared her for national leadership.

Harsh critique

Karua launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, describing him as unfit to lead the country.

She declared that her mission, alongside other opposition leaders, is to remove Ruto from office in the upcoming elections and eliminate poor leadership elements from governance.

The PLP leader, who rebranded her party from NARC-Kenya to better reflect its liberation mission, characterised the current regime as the worst in Kenya’s history.

She cited killings of young people, abductions, and intimidation of government critics as evidence that the country is reverting to dark times.

“We’ve never witnessed such high numbers of people killed while exercising their rights as we saw during the Gen Z demonstrations,” Karua observed.

She described the administration as bloodthirsty, targeting its own citizens through torture and killings, leaving families searching for missing loved ones with unknown casualty figures.

Economic recovery

Karua further criticised the Kenya Kwanza government’s financial mismanagement, arguing it has nothing to show despite three years in power and increased tax collection.

She condemned reckless borrowing practices that threaten to cripple the economy through unsustainable debt levels.

Under her leadership, Karua promised to streamline government structures and revive the economy alongside critical sectors, including health, education, and agriculture.

She pledged accountability for every tax shilling collected and prioritising public needs in budget allocation.

The PLP leader called for Mt Kenya regional unity as the primary weapon for winning the 2027 political battle.

She stated that her collaboration with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua aims to rally people toward unified voices and common goals.

“We’re working together despite having different political parties, focusing on bringing people together,” she explained. Karua dismissed claims that regional unity constitutes tribalism, asserting residents’ rights to discuss issues and make independent decisions.

She outlined plans to partner with like-minded leaders from other regions, forming a national movement to promote their agenda and policies nationwide.

However, she urged voters to scrutinise candidates carefully to avoid electing self-serving leaders.

Democracy concerns

Karua extended her criticism beyond Kenya’s borders, addressing democratic deterioration across East Africa.

She recently travelled to Tanzania to attend court proceedings for detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, expressing concern over his treason charges stemming from demands for electoral reforms.

Karua explained that Lissu was arrested for refusing to participate in upcoming elections without proper reforms, despite being Tanzania’s only viable challenger to President Samia Suluhu.

She criticised Tanzania’s electoral laws that prohibit citizens from challenging election results in court.

“Once the electoral commission announces results, questioning them becomes illegal. That isn’t democracy,” she lamented.

On domestic human rights issues, Karua condemned illegal arrests, including Uganda’s opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s detention on Kenyan soil.

She accused President Ruto of downplaying the severity of forced disappearances and police brutality.

Referencing a Law Society of Kenya case on abductions, Karua noted that among four activists abducted in Mlolongo, two were found dead while two remain missing.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 82 people remain missing since the Gen Z protests.

Moi comparisons

She compared the current regime unfavourably to the Moi era, claiming violence levels have exceeded previous administrations.

During Azimio protests, over 70 people died, including one coastal resident who required eight rubber bullets removed individually from his back.

Karua highlighted disturbing incidents at Nairobi mortuary following Gen Z protests, where nearly 1,000 unclaimed bodies were discovered.

She feared some victims might be State killing casualties, accusing the government of thriving on deception.

Explaining her party’s transformation from NARC-Kenya to the People’s Liberation Party, Karua cited the need to appeal to younger voters unfamiliar with the original acronym.

The new name directly reflects their mission of liberating people from suffering.

Regarding 2027 election plans, Karua suggested flexibility about her role, indicating she might not seek the presidential nomination or running mate position.

She emphasised her commitment to supporting stronger candidates if necessary while building robust opposition coalitions.

“In 2022, I stated I wouldn’t be a running mate again. I fulfilled my role in the Azimio coalition. Come 2027, I may not carry the flag but will support others if needed,” she declared.

Addressing speculation about Gachagua’s potential dominance in Mt Kenya politics, Karua dismissed single-party rule concerns, advocating for healthy competition between their respective parties before eventual collaboration discussions.