Karua: Azimio Is Dead, I Won’t Return

Martha Karua during her visit to Meru.

People Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has ruled out any possibility of rejoining the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, terming the coalition as defunct.

Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday, March 30, 2026, Karua dismissed proposals by Kalonzo Musyoka to revive Azimio as the United Opposition’s vehicle for the 2027 General Election.

Karua stated that Azimio is no longer viable, likening it to a sunken ship that cannot be salvaged. She added that she exited the coalition long ago and has no intention of returning.

According to her, members of the People Liberation Party have no positive memories from their time in Azimio, arguing that their participation did not yield meaningful outcomes.

“Sioni PLP ikienda Azimio, na kama kuna watu wataenda Azimio watatuambia kwa nini turudi kwa meli iliyo zama na tueunda meli mpya,” she said.

Karua further clarified that the United Opposition has not held any discussions on rejoining Azimio, stressing that Kalonzo’s presence in the coalition should not be interpreted as the position of the entire outfit.

“Tukiwa kwa united opposition, hatujaketi tukakubaliana ya kwamba tutarudi Misri na tukaarifu Wakenya ya kwamba tuko united opposition na tutawarifu Wakenya kwamba tutamjulisha,” she added.

She maintained that any leader pushing for a return to Azimio must first justify why the coalition should be revived, especially when the United Opposition is already forming its own political structure, with names reportedly reserved.

“Mmmoja kati yetu kwenda Azimio haimanishi tumeenda,” Karua emphasised.

Her remarks come amid renewed calls by Kalonzo to have opposition leaders adopt Azimio as their political vehicle for the 2027 polls instead of forming a new coalition.

Kalonzo, who recently took over as leader of the Azimio coalition after Raila Odinga, said he would table the proposal during an upcoming retreat after the opposition concludes its nationwide tours.

He suggested that the coalition could be rebranded to names such as Komboa Kenya or Ukombozi, insisting that forming a new outfit would be unnecessary when an existing structure can be reworked.