Why I’m running for President – Martha Karua

Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has officially declared her bid for Kenya’s presidency, emphasizing her vision for a transformed nation that works for all citizens.

In an interview with Radio Generation, she outlined a platform centered on economic fairness, social services, security, and respect for civil liberties, insisting that leadership should serve the people rather than a select few.

“Dreaming of leading Kenya’s transformation as the Chief Executive Officer right of this corporation called Kenya? Yes. So yes, I’m vying for presidency,” Karua said on Friday, framing her ambition as a mission to create inclusive growth.

She criticized the current economic system for favoring a small elite, leaving ordinary citizens burdened by taxes and struggling to provide for their families.

Karua promised reforms to Kenya’s tax system, describing it as “not supposed to be a punishment” and advocating for fair contributions that support essential services while reducing waste and curbing leakages.

She stressed the importance of a business environment that supports both small and large enterprises, noting that small local investors, the backbone of Kenya’s economy, are often overlooked.

On public services, Karua emphasized universal access to healthcare and education.

“I would like to see a nation that gives quality, universal health care, from cradle to grave to every Kenyan in Public Facilities,” she said. She also advocated for free education from nursery to university, citing Cuba as an example of a nation that delivers excellent health and education despite economic challenges.

Agriculture and food security also featured prominently in her vision. Karua said Kenya has sufficient arable land and water to feed its population if farmers are adequately supported.

She emphasized strengthening the private sector and the SME industry, which currently has over 7.4 million units, as a key driver of youth employment and innovation.

Security and respect for civil liberties are central to her agenda. Karua lamented incidents of attacks in public spaces and government misuse of power to suppress freedoms, arguing for a Kenya where citizens’ rights are protected and safety is guaranteed.

Early this year, in March, Karua maintained that she would not be a presidential running mate in the 2027 general elections.

The leader said if she is not the presidential candidate, she would rather support whoever her team will be backing.

Karua first made her stance on not deputizing anyone known in January, insisting that she was done with the business of playing number two.

During the launch of her rebranded party, however, she said it does not mean she would not support any other candidate.

The former Justice Minister said she does not have to be in the ticket of the side she will support.

“I may have said I don’t want to be deputy, but that doesn’t mean I cannot support another candidate. I don’t have to be in that ticket, but I will put my 100% commitment, if I am not the candidate, to deliver victory to Kenyans. We must liberate ourselves from economic oppression,” she said.

In the last general election, Karua was Azimio candidate Raila Odinga’s running mate.

She later announced exiting the outfit after Raila started working with President William Ruto in exchange for the government’s support in his bid to become the next African Union Commission chairman.

Karua unsuccessfully vied for the presidency in 2013. In 2017, she unsuccessfully sought to become the Governor of Kirinyaga, losing to Anne Waiguru.