Aasai

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has categorically ruled out the possibility of vying for any elective or appointed seat in the 2027 General Election, declaring that she has permanently closed the chapter on being a deputy presidential candidate. Speaking during a candid interview on Ramogi Radio, the seasoned politician dismissed reports linking her to future political positions as speculative and unfounded.

Karua, who served as the running mate to Azimio leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential elections, said her time as a number two in a presidential ticket was a one-time occurrence. “I closed the chapter on being a running mate in 2022. I would rather let someone else take the position,” she stated, noting that her focus is now on supporting a broader opposition unity agenda.

Her remarks come amid growing speculation about possible opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections. Various unverified political lineups have been circulating online, some of which suggest that Karua is being considered for the position of National Assembly Speaker in a proposed opposition power-sharing structure. However, Karua dismissed these suggestions as fictitious and lacking any formal discussion.

“Those claims have no basis and have not been sanctioned by any organ of the Opposition,” she asserted. Karua added that no opposition coalition has officially deliberated or endorsed any such arrangement and warned against publicizing unagreed slates that may sow confusion among supporters.

The former Gichugu MP also took the opportunity to shut down any speculation about her returning to Parliament in any form. She firmly rejected any plans to assume roles such as Speaker or MP, stressing that she had already served her time in legislative service. “I served as a Member of Parliament for four consecutive terms. I even vied for the presidency in 2012, and I would never go back as Speaker or in any other role,” Karua emphasized.

Over the past few weeks, two different alleged opposition lineups have emerged online. One list placed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as presidential candidate, Kalonzo Musyoka as running mate, and Karua as the Speaker. A second suggested Kalonzo as the presidential flag bearer and Matiang’i as his deputy. The lists also floated names like George Natembeya as Interior CS, Rigathi Gachagua as Prime Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa as Senate Speaker, and Justin Muturi as Attorney General.

Karua has termed these lists as pure fabrications, warning that they do not reflect any actual negotiations among opposition figures. She stressed that serious discussions on 2027 should be guided by unity, strategy, and consultation, not speculation.

She further revealed that the opposition plans to take a bolder approach in the next elections by fielding a single candidate in every position, from grassroots to the top seat. “We are not only focusing on the presidency. The United Opposition will front a candidate for every seat contested in Kenya, from MCA level to the presidency,” Karua disclosed, signaling a shift toward complete electoral coordination.

Karua’s firm stance signals a maturing opposition strategy — one that prioritizes collective strength over personal ambition — as Kenya gears up for another high-stakes general election in 2027