Martha Karua to Run for President in 2027

Nairobi, Kenya – In a bold and spirited announcement, veteran politician and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has officially thrown her hat into the ring for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election. Speaking to Kenyans in the United States, Karua affirmed her commitment to seeking the country’s top seat, vowing to bring empathy, justice, and unity to State House.

“I am done with the running mate business, having finished that era in 2022,” Karua declared, referencing her previous bid as Raila Odinga’s deputy. She now positions herself as a front-runner, determined to lead the nation through what she calls “transformative, values-driven leadership.”

Karua, a former Justice Minister and long-time advocate for good governance, pointed to her legal background and integrity in public service as proof she is fit to lead. “If governance is about the rule of law, then I have those qualifications,” she stated.

She did not shy away from criticizing the current administration led by President William Ruto. Citing what she called the erosion of constitutional order and rising authoritarianism, Karua condemned Ruto’s recent directive urging police to shoot protesters in the leg, calling the order “dangerous and unlawful.”

Reintroducing her party — formerly NARC-Kenya — Karua unveiled the new face of the People’s Liberation Party, whose rallying cry is to “fight, unite, and liberate.” She emphasized that her leadership would carry the sensitivity of a mother’s care. “A mother ensures everyone is fed, whether there is plenty or little,” she said, reinforcing her message from a speech earlier this year in Isiolo calling for a Kenya ready to embrace female leadership.

Karua also hinted at broader political alliances ahead of 2027, citing growing collaboration with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Her coalition-building strategy aims to create a united opposition to challenge the Kenya Kwanza government.

However, her bid has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many celebrate her as a principled leader with a clean track record, critics on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have questioned her regional alliances, raising concerns about political tribalism.

Karua joins an already crowded presidential field that includes Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. Despite the competition, she has promised to prioritize constitutionalism, economic revival, and equitable resource distribution.

If successful, Karua would make history as Kenya’s first female president — a milestone she says the country is ready for.

“Our nation needs healing, unity, and honest leadership,” she said. “That’s the Kenya I want to build.”