People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has outlined her vision for the country should she manage to take over as the president.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Karua declared herself a “standing president” ready to take over leadership at the slightest opportunity while sharply criticising President William Ruto’s approach to governance.

Rule of law

Karua painted a picture of a law-driven administration anchored on accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional principles, should Kenyans elect her.

“I am a standing president, Ruto is the sitting president. I am the standing president waiting for the slightest vacancy, and I will be seated,” Karua said.

Karua emphasised that her leadership would be guided firmly by the rule of law, which she described as the foundation of a functional and fair society.

“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 stated.

Separation between personal and public resources

She added that clear separation between personal and public resources would be a defining feature of her administration, warning against the misuse of state funds by leaders.

In a direct attack on President Ruto, Karua accused him of blurring the line between public and private resources, particularly through public donations and pledges.

“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.

Karua singled out what she described as frequent cash handouts at State House events and public fundraisers, arguing that such practices raise concerns about fiscal discipline and accountability.

“Dishing out money at State House… it cannot be his resources,” she said, also criticising what she termed as unplanned roadside promises that fall outside formal budgetary frameworks.

Karua signalled that her administration would prioritise structured governance, where all public spending is tied to approved budgets and subjected to oversight.

She warned that failure to adhere to financial regulations undermines public trust and weakens institutions meant to safeguard taxpayer resources.

Her remarks echo broader concerns among sections of the opposition regarding transparency in government expenditure and adherence to established financial procedures.

Her remarks are likely to draw responses from allies of President Ruto, who have previously defended his development tours and public engagements as part of service delivery and citizen outreach.