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Karua: Nothing short of the presidency for me
People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has dismissed any attempts by both the Opposition and the government to turn Kenya into a one-party State, maintaining that Kenya is a democratic republic where every political party has the constitutional right to seek support from voters across the country.
Speaking during her political tour of Murang'a County, where she opened PLP offices in Mathioya and Kangema constituencies, Ms Karua vowed she would not dissolve her party, insisting she will contest the 2027 presidential election on a PLP ticket while continuing to popularise the party's agenda nationwide.
"As a presidential candidate in 2027, I am asking Kenyans to give me an opportunity to work for them and return this country to where it is supposed to be, as I have what it takes to return this country to the path of being governed under the rule of law," she said.
The former Justice Minister, who was Raila Odinga's running mate in the 2022 elections after being a presidential candidate herself in 2013, criticised leaders accused of zoning parts of the country for specific political parties, arguing that such practices undermine Kenya's democratic principles and multiparty system.
She said the strength of individual parties is the strength of the United Opposition, noting that no one will be able to win individually — only by working together. She added that every party in the United Opposition has the right to propagate its own ideals, and that PLP has been busy popularising itself to voters across the country.
"Perish the thought that at any one time we shall return to one-party politics, whether in the Opposition or on the government side. Our Constitution says Kenya's democracy is multiparty," Ms Karua said.
"Even this government that we want to remove from power is a coalition government, and even the Opposition is a coalition. Let us not lie to ourselves; we will never have a one-party state, because our Constitution does not permit it," she added.
Ms Karua was speaking a day after reports that oOpposition leaders are crafting a grand coalition similar to the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition (Narc), which swept Mwai Kibaki to power.
Details of the plan emerged on Thursday, when Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka held a closed-door meeting with Linda Mwananchi leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The Nation has also established that former President Uhuru Kenyatta has convened an Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition council meeting for Monday, as part of the broader Opposition agenda in readiness for the presidential contest.
Also in the picture is Kanu boss Gideon Moi, who is part of the planned Monday meeting. Kanu's Nairobi governor aspirant, Tony Gachoka, attended Thursday's meeting on behalf of the independence party.
"We are going to engage all formations that are supporting the one-term agenda. At some point there is going to be a major convention for all opposition formations," said a top Linda Mwananchi official who attended Thursday's meeting.
"We will all go into a grand coalition party similar to the 2002 Narc," the official said.
Thursday's meeting came barely a week after the Linda Mwananchi team held a similar engagement with Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i.
Jubilee Party Leader and Presidential candidate Fred Matiangi after a meeting with the Linda Mwananchi team, led by the Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, in Karen, ahead of the team’s trip to Western Kenya.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi told the Nation that Linda Mwananchi has lined up similar engagements with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and PLP's Karua.
Ms Karua's sentiments were echoed by PLP Deputy Party Leader Prof Peter Kagwanja, who endorsed her as the most suitable candidate to fly the Opposition coalition's presidential flag in the 2027 General Election. He urged Kenyans to elect leaders of integrity, accountability and commitment, who will prioritise the interests of citizens above personal gain.
The former Justice Minister framed her campaign around constitutionalism and accountability, promising to uphold civil liberties for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation or social standing. She also stressed the importance of protecting public resources to ensure they benefit every Kenyan, as she outlined her vision for transparent and equitable governance.
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