Martha Karua: I am working hard to be opposition’s presidential candidate
By Faith Lagat, September 21, 2025People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has declared that she is working tirelessly to secure the opposition’s presidential ticket.
Speaking after attending a service at PCEA Mbogori Church in Chogoria Ward, Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Karua said the united opposition believes in healthy competition and will eventually front a single candidate to challenge for the presidency.
She noted that while several leaders within the coalition are vying for the top seat, her focus remains on emerging as the flagbearer. Karua urged supporters to stay united as the opposition refines its strategy ahead of the next election, promising to champion reforms and accountable leadership if given the chance to lead.
“We are in the united opposition, I am vying for the presidency; my brothers are vying for the presidency, we believe in competition, but eventually we will have one candidate as the opposition. I am working hard to be that candidate,” Karua said.
Karua had earlier asked Kenyans to elect a woman president.
Karua also firmly dismissed speculation that she might align with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)’s two-term stance, reaffirming her commitment to the “no term” position.
Responding to questions about rumours of a potential shift, Karua stated, “I am a no term adherent but Kenyans wakisema Wantam, hawezi pata kitu ingine na akicheza asiporekebisha mwenendo wake, he will be no term.”
She further emphasised, “Usiniulize maneno ya uvumi because nobody has ever asked me that question,” and added, “I agree wantam. Ruto has performed so badly that if it were up to me, he would cease being the president before the term ends.”
Accountability
Karua’s stance comes amid growing regional trends of electoral accountability, as highlighted by the PLP’s recent commentary on Malawi’s unfolding election results.
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 of accountability through the ballot. Kenya, we’re next. Trust the process.”
Wantan Rhetoric
Opposition parties have been championing the “Wantam” slogan as 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 for civic engagement and political renewal across Kenya.
Karua has previously emphasised electoral accountability, blaming President William Ruto’s administration for governance failures, including deliberate insecurity to distract from its shortcomings.
In an interview on Friday, September 5, 2025, she accused the administration of fostering insecurity, citing the presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera County as a calculated strategy. She questioned how foreign troops could operate unchecked, displacing residents, and criticised Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the National Security Council for inaction.
Karua also opposed Ruto’s talks with Azimio leaders, claiming they lacked genuineness.