NAIROBI, Kenya — Martha Karua, the leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has formally announced her candidacy for the presidency in Kenya’s 2027 general election.
Addressing Kenyans in the United States during a meeting on Saturday, July 12, 2025, which was also attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Ms. Karua unequivocally stated that she would not again assume the role of a running mate, having concluded that “business” in 2022.
“In case you hadn’t known, I am vying for the presidency. I said I am done with running mate business, having finished that era in 2022,” Ms. Karua affirmed.
However, Karua also expressed her readiness to support a candidate ultimately chosen by the opposition, emphasizing that she would do so without being a running mate herself. She underscored her commitment to actively working to be that chosen candidate.
“But I am also ready. If in the unlikely event another person is chosen as a candidate, I will subordinate my ambitions and support without being a running mate because Kenya is bigger than anyone else, but for now I am working so hard, and I’m going to work day and night to be that candidate,” she added.
She highlighted her unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law, asserting that Kenya’s current governance challenges stem from its consistent disregard for legal principles.
With a robust legal background and extensive years of public service, Karua believes she is uniquely positioned to lead the nation.
“If the whole idea about governance is about rule of law, I think I have those qualifications. I think I have lived up to the rule of law and good governance,” she stated.
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Ms. Karua recalled a notable instance from her past, citing her resignation as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on April 6, 2009, during former President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure, due to frustrations in discharging her duties.
She declared that the opposition would relentlessly push for the removal of President William Ruto’s current administration, labeling it a “disaster” in comparison to previous governments.
Ms. Karua urged Kenyans residing abroad to join “good” political parties and register as voters, thereby empowering themselves to influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
