Martha Karua condemns attack on Niko Kadi drive in Kitale
By Mustafa Juma, April 12, 2026People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly condemned what she termed a “calculated attempt” to intimidate young voters following reported disruptions of the Niko Kadi voter registration drive in Kitale.
Taking to her official X account on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Karua accused the government of fostering an environment of fear and repression, warning that such tactics would not succeed in silencing the youth.
Karua claimed that the attacks witnessed in Kitale over recent days point to a deliberate effort to undermine democratic participation, particularly among young people.
“The attack on the Niko Kadi voter registration drive in Kitale is a calculated attempt to intimidate young people and suppress their voice,” she said.
She added that the incidents were not isolated but part of a broader pattern of disruption.
“The disruptive attacks we saw yesterday, today, and in previous incidents point to a deliberate and orchestrated pattern to undermine democratic participation,” Karua stated.
Criticism of the government
The former justice minister aimed at President William Ruto’s administration, alleging that the violence reflects a longstanding leadership style rooted in intimidation.
“The violence and intimidation that have come to characterise Ruto’s administration reflect a pattern long embodied in his leadership,” she said.
Karua further drew parallels with past political struggles in Kenya, noting that similar attempts to suppress democratic movements had ultimately failed.
“Kenya has lived through this before, when intimidation, violence, and repression were used to stop a democratic wave whose time had come. It did not succeed then, because we fought it and it will not succeed now,” she stated.
Call to youth
In her message, Karua urged young people not to be deterred by the incidents, emphasising the importance of their participation in shaping the country’s future.
“Young people must not be intimidated. Your voice, your vote, and your participation matter, now more than ever,” she said.
She rallied the youth to remain steadfast, insisting that the push for democratic change cannot be stopped through fear.
Karua concluded her statement with a call for accountable leadership, arguing that Kenya deserves leaders who can deliver rather than rely on intimidation tactics.
“Kenya deserves leadership that can deliver, not one that resorts to fear when it cannot. The people must prevail,” she declared.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country, with voter mobilisation drives gaining momentum ahead of the next general election cycle.