People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and united in protecting the country’s democratic gains as the 2027 General Election approaches.

In a social media post on Friday April 10, 2026, the veteran politician reflected on Kenya’s past struggles against authoritarian rule and urged citizens to actively participate in shaping the country’s political future.

“There are moments where silence is not wisdom, it is surrender,” Karua wrote.

Her message was accompanied by archival footage from 2001 showing her walking out of a rally addressed by former President Daniel arap Moi in Kirinyaga. The clip also included scenes from her 2002 campaign messages in which she described Kenyans as “unbowable and unstoppable” in the fight against oppressive leadership.

Reflecting on democratic gains

Karua said the democratic space enjoyed today was achieved through sustained resistance and civic courage by many Kenyans.

“The democracy we enjoy today, imperfect as it is, was not given. It was taken, inch by inch, by those who chose courage over comfort,” she stated.

“In 2027, we can do it again. We have the power, but we must wield it.”

Karua has often referenced the 2002 election, when opposition parties united to end the long rule of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) government, as a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.

Criticism of government spending

Karua’s remarks come days after an interview on K24 TV on April 8, 2026, where she criticised what she described as the misuse of public resources.

During the interview, she accused President William Ruto’s administration of blurring the line between personal and public funds, particularly during public events and fundraising activities.

“When we ignore the law, we behave and utilise public resources as our own. I think that is what William Ruto is doing,” she said.

“Dishing out money at State House… it cannot be his resources.”

Karua also questioned roadside pledges made during development tours, arguing that such commitments should follow formal government budgeting procedures.

Vision for leadership

The PLP leader said her approach to governance would focus on adherence to the Constitution and accountability in the management of public resources.

“Under my presidency, Kenyans will look at a country under the rule of law, where the law demarcates the end of my rights and the beginning of your rights,” she emphasised.

She added that public spending should follow approved budgets and established oversight mechanisms.

Karua has also continued to raise accountability concerns within government. On April 9, 2026, she called for the resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi over the ongoing fuel crisis and a reported Ksh500 million scandal.