Karua rules out accepting running mate position again

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has declared that her time as a running mate has come to an end.

Speaking on her future within the opposition coalition during an interview with a local station on Monday, March 30, 2026, Karua revealed that her ambition is to be the sole candidate to fly the opposition flag, stating her intention to try her best to secure that position.

However, she made it clear that she is no longer interested in the deputy president role, stressing that she will try her best to be the presidential candidate for the opposition coalition.

“Tulipokubaliana kuungana, tulisema tutatoa mgombea mmoja wa urais. Ndani ya muungano huo, nitajitahidi kwa kila njia kuhakikisha mimi ndiye nitakayebeba bendera ya muungano,” Karua said.

Loosely translate, “We agreed that as a coalition, we will have a presidential candidate. Within that arrangement, I will do everything possible to ensure that I am the one chosen to carry the coalition’s flag,” Karua said.

Unity of opposition

Despite her refusal to serve as a deputy again, Karua reaffirmed her commitment to the unity of the opposition.

According to Karua, if she is not chosen as the presidential candidate, she will support whoever is picked to lead the coalition. She clarified that this support would be offered without the condition of being their running mate.

“Na ikiwa sio mimi, naweza kumuunga mkono yule ambaye ataangukiwa na hiyo baraka ya bila kukuwa mgombea mwenza wake. Hiyo kiti ya ugombea mwenza nilimalizana nayo,” Karua said.

“And if it is not me, I am ready to support whoever is chosen, without becoming their running mate. I am done with the position of deputy,” Karua noted.

She stressed that she would not do anything to collapse the coalition because of her love for the country and her desire to see actions taken that will bring relief to Kenyans.

Karua explained that her primary motivation is the current state of the nation, which she described as being in a very bad condition.

“Siwezi nikaboromosha muungano huo; ninapenda nchi yangu, na hio inamaanisha tufanye yale yatatuletea nafuu kwa sababu tupo katika pahali papaya saa hii,” Karua said.

Karua as a running mate

The then Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition flag bearer, late Raila Odinga had appointed Martha Karua as his running mate.

Karua would have served as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs in case Raila had won the presidency.

“The selection of a running mate and a deputy president-designate is one of the most important decisions a presidential candidate has to make. It is a journey for the people of Kenya. It is a journey of diligence and persistence. Today is one more reason to never give up,” Karua said.

More Articles

---