Karua explains why she backs single 5-year presidential term
By Emmanuel Rono, June 12, 2026People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has proposed a radical shift in Kenya’s governance system, calling for a single five-year presidential term and warning against what she described as leaders treating political office as personal property.
Speaking in an interview with Milele FM on Friday, June 12, 2026, Karua argued that electoral victory should not be equated to ownership of power, saying some leaders behave “as if they have bought a title deed of Kenya” once elected.
“Kila mtu anapaswa kuwa na miaka mitano pekee yake, kwa sababu watu wakichaguliwa tabia yao ni kuonyesha ni kama wamenunua title deed,” Karua said.
Karua singled out the need for stronger democratic accountability, proposing that Kenya adopt a one-term presidency system to enhance service delivery and reduce power struggles over re-election campaigns.
Importance of non-renewable term
She said a five-year, non-renewable term would allow leaders to focus on development rather than political survival.
She also cited examples from other African nations, referencing former African leaders, noting that they exited office following internal party and public pressure, which she described as part of democratic discipline.
Karua further linked her proposal to anti-corruption efforts, saying she would focus on fighting graft within a five-year framework if entrusted with leadership.
“Na kwa Kenya na bara la Afrika, sababu nchi nyingi viongozi hawataki kutoka, afadhali tuwe na muhula wa tamu kama hii nne; viongozi wanakuja one term, one term. Ufanye kazi zako, mimi Martha Karua nitapambana na ufisadi miaka mitano turudishe nchi kwa mwongozo wa kisheria,” Karua stated.
Karua ahead of 2027 polls
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.
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.”