Karua urges Kenyans to elect leaders who serve the people, not themselves

Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has called on Kenyans to be deliberate in choosing leaders who genuinely serve the public, saying the country’s current challenges stem from electing representatives who prioritize personal gain over citizens’ welfare.

In an interview with Radio Generation, she described how the Ruto administration has repurposed state resources to serve a few, leaving ordinary Kenyans struggling with debt, poor services, and defunded health and education sectors.

“What went wrong, and at what point, I think the rain started beating Kenyans, not just the regime, when this regime took over power, because it became clear that they did not mean any of the things they said,” Karua said.

She accused the government of mismanaging public funds, supporting lavish lifestyles, and expanding government at a time of economic hardship, highlighting the state’s spending on renovations while citizens face hardships.

Karua warned that citizens must exercise caution in elections at all levels. “Even though I maintained, yes, they were declared illegally as winners, but they had a substantial vote. Failing to differentiate which people to vote for and which people not to vote for has brought us here,” she said.

She emphasized that voting is not only about the presidency but also about governors, MPs, senators, women representatives, and local MCAs, all of whom must be scrutinized for integrity and pro-people values.

On election conduct, Karua stressed that officials must perform their duties lawfully to protect voters’ rights.

“The polling clerk, the presiding officer, the returning officer, is a Kenyan like you and me. If everybody did their duty, we would not even need agents. Stick to your lane,” she said.

She urged security officers to restrain wrongdoing without harming citizens, warning that violence during elections undermines the country and leaves everyone vulnerable.

Karua also criticized voters for neglecting candidate integrity, saying many knowingly elect leaders facing corruption and integrity cases.

“Last elections, you tell somebody, this person is a thief. This person is named in every corruption scandal. They tell you, I know, but I’ve made up my mind. Stop it,” she said.

She stressed that even if a good president is elected, poor choices at the county level can undermine national progress, urging citizens to take responsibility for every elected position.

“Most of the critical services are at the county level. So we should worry, even if you elect a good president, if you don’t elect good governors or MCAs, your county will fail you,” Karua said, calling for intentional, values-based voting to restore integrity and service in governance.