Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures, says she is ready to make another bid for the country’s top seat in 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Spice FM, Karua confirmed that her party had formally endorsed her to seek the presidency under the banner of the United Opposition coalition.
“I look ahead at the possibilities before me, and there is an election coming in 2027,” she said. “There’s a chance for me to be the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya — the President. I’ve already been given the go-ahead by the People’s Liberation Party, and now my duty is to work hard, market myself and the ideals of the PLP, and run for President.”
Karua, who served as Minister for Justice and later as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 presidential race, said she remains focused on the future rather than past political setbacks.
“I’ve always believed in moving forward,” she said, adding that her political agenda would centre on accountability, inclusivity, and better governance.
On Kenya’s economy, Karua argued that meaningful debt management must begin with stronger institutions.
“You cannot talk of public debt without first talking of governance,” she said. “To stop or address debt, you need to improve governance. Everything rests on governance.”
Her remarks come amid renewed discussions within the opposition about fielding a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
In July, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the opposition coalition would unveil a unified candidate by December. “Around December, we’ll produce one candidate to face him,” Gachagua announced, stressing that unity within the movement was “non-negotiable.”
He added that he would support whichever leader the coalition settles on. “If we pick Kalonzo Musyoka, we’ll support him to the end. If it’s Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, or our sister Martha Karua — we’ll all unite behind that one candidate.”
Gachagua praised what he called a “new spirit of selflessness” among opposition leaders. “All of us are selfless. We’ll stick together to the end,” he said.
For Karua, the road ahead is familiar but demanding. As one of Kenya’s most recognisable female politicians — often called the “Iron Lady” for her firm stances and reformist record — she has long been a trailblazer in a male-dominated political landscape.
Her nomination as Raila Odinga’s running mate in 2022 was celebrated as a milestone for women in politics, inspiring renewed calls for gender equality in leadership.
Now, as she prepares for another campaign, Karua says she’s driven by conviction rather than ambition. “My focus is on Kenya’s future — on building systems that work,” she said.