Martha Karua, the leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has declared that she will be on the presidential ballot in 2027. Speaking to residents of Isiolo, she asked Kenyans to consider voting for a woman this time, saying male leaders have failed to bring unity to the country.
Karua believes that a woman, just like a mother at home, can unite a divided nation by caring and sharing equally among all. She said that, if given the opportunity, she would lead the country like a mother leads her household ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry and finding ways to fairly distribute resources when they are not enough.
During her speech, Karua said, “God willing, I will vie for the presidency. I will then be able to unite Kenya as a mother unites her home.” She continued by explaining that a mother’s love and fairness can help bring peace and unity to the country.
“A mother would not let her kids to go to bed hungry and when there is not enough food; she finds a way to divide it among them. That is what we want for Kenya.” She urged Kenyans to try a woman this time, saying, “You have tried men since independence, this time round kindly try a woman under PLP.”
Karua is not new to national politics. She was Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 general election under the Azimio coalition. However, in March 2025, Karua made it clear that she would not be a running mate again. Speaking on Hot 96, she said that she would only run as a presidential candidate.
“Personally, I have said if I’m not a candidate, I’m not going to be deputy. The deputy business ended in the 2022 elections.” Her decision was not new, as she had first expressed it in January. Speaking to Senator Daniel Karaba, she said, “At this level I cannot become anyone’s deputy again. If there’s any prayer you’re making, make it for me to get the president’s seat that I will vie for in the next election.”
Karua also said that in 2022, she did her part in campaigning and asking for votes. She now believes it is time for her supporters to stand up for her as she goes for the top seat. “I did my work thoroughly, if you, my supporter, haven’t done your work thoroughly, I have gone past that stage.
Just wait, I will ask for your vote, and I will vie for the top position.”Karua emphasized that she will continue working with others who share the same vision to strengthen the opposition as the country heads into the 2027 general elections. She has had a long political journey.
In 2013, she ran for president but lost. In 2017, she went for the Kirinyaga governor’s seat but lost to Anne Waiguru.
Despite the setbacks, Karua is not giving up. Her renewed push to run for president shows her commitment to leadership and her belief that Kenya is ready for a female president.
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