Kenya next? Karua’s PLP cites Malawi example as Chakwera stares at defeat after one term
By Faith Lagat, September 18, 2025The People’s Liberation Party (PLP), led by Martha Karua, has linked Malawi’s unfolding election results to Kenya’s political future, citing accountability through the ballot as a regional trend.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the PLP posted on X: “Happening Now in Malawi, Wantam is Real! The people have spoken, and Chakwera is out after just one term. Accountability through the ballot. Kenya, we’re next. Trust the process.”
The message, accompanied by an image of preliminary results showing former President Peter Mutharika leading with 58 per cent against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera’s 22 per cent, drew attention to a possible shift in the region’s democratic landscape.
Malawi polls
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) reported receiving about 98 per cent of results from Tuesday’s election, with final tallies still pending, according to the BBC.
The vote, held on September 16, 2025, saw thousands queue to elect a president, MPs, and local councillors amid economic hardships, including 30 per cent inflation and fuel shortages. Chakwera, who assumed office in 2020, now faces a potential exit after one term, while Mutharika, aged 85, appears poised for a comeback. The MEC has until September 24 to announce the presidential result.
Karua links accountability to Kenya
Karua-led PLP has for months been championing the “Wantam” slogan, a call for voters to hold leaders accountable after a single term if they fail to deliver on promises.
Party officials and political leaders have used rallies, social media posts, and press briefings to popularise the phrase as a tool of civic engagement, framing it as a homegrown movement for political renewal across Kenya.
Karua has previously emphasised electoral accountability in Kenya, blaming Ruto’s administration.
In an interview on Friday, September 5, 2025, she accused President William Ruto’s administration of deliberately fostering insecurity to distract from governance failures.
She cited the presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera County as a calculated strategy, questioning how foreign troops could operate unchecked for over a week, displacing residents. “How on earth would you allow forces from Jubaland to occupy parts of Mandera, causing havoc and committing atrocities… and keep quiet?” she asked. Karua also criticised Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the National Security Council for inaction.
The PLP leader further cited that Ruto’s centralised control renders Cabinet members and advisers ceremonial, slowing government programs.
“You talk of advisers; Ruto is his own adviser. He is also the head of every ministry; everybody else is ceremonial,” she said, adding that the Attorney General’s office has become symbolic.
Karua also opposed Ruto’s talks with Azimio leaders, claiming they were rushed and lacked genuineness, a stance she reiterated on September 5.