Karua: I’m Done Being Running Mate, I Want Presidency

PLP Party leader Martha Karua

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has declared that she will no longer serve as a running mate, signalling a shift in her political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, March 30, 2026, Karua stated that her focus is now firmly on securing the presidential ticket within the opposition coalition. She said she will do everything possible to emerge as the coalition’s flag bearer.

“Tulipokubaliana kuungana, tulisema tutatoa mgombea mmoja wa urais. Ndani ya muungano huo, nitajitahidi kwa kila njia kuhakikisha mimi ndiye nitakayebeba bendera ya muungano,” she said.

Karua emphasised that she is no longer interested in the deputy president position, noting that her time in that role has passed.

At the same time, she reaffirmed her commitment to opposition unity, saying she is ready to support whoever is selected as the coalition’s presidential candidate if she is not chosen.

“Na ikiwa sio mimi, naweza kumuunga mkono yule ambaye ataangukiwa na hiyo baraka bila kuwa mgombea mwenza wake. Hiyo kiti ya ugombea mwenza nilimalizana nayo,” she stated.

She clarified that her support would come without any condition of being picked as a running mate, insisting she is done with the position.

Karua further stressed that she will not engage in actions that could weaken or collapse the opposition coalition, citing her commitment to the country and the need to address the challenges facing Kenyans.

“Siwezi nikaboromosha muungano huo; ninapenda nchi yangu, na hiyo inamaanisha tufanye yale yatatuletea nafuu kwa sababu tupo katika pahali papaya saa hii,” she added.

Karua previously served as running mate to Raila Odinga during the 2022 General Election under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

At the time, she had been lined up to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs had the coalition won power.

“The selection of a running mate and a deputy president-designate is one of the most important decisions a presidential candidate has to make. It is a journey for the people of Kenya. It is a journey of diligence and persistence. Today is one more reason to never give up,” Karua said at the time.