Martha Karua: My conditions to pick best opposition candidate against Ruto

Ms Karua, who is part of the broad opposition alliance bringing together former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Patriotic Front), Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee), Justin Muturi (Democratic Party), Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party-Kenya) and Peter Munya (Party of National Unity), argues that the coalition’s credibility will depend on how it settles the inevitable battle for the ticket.

Her position follows a similar push by Dr Matiang’i and Mr Munya for a scientifically proven formula to select opposition flag bearer and strict opposition to zoning, a process that has been pushed by Mr Gachagua, widely seen to favour his Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP), especially in Mt Kenya and Nairobi regions.

Power-sharing arrangements

Ms Karua’s declaration, in an exclusive interview with Sunday Nation, comes at a time when speculation is rife over possible regional power-sharing arrangements, zoning proposals and behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at avoiding bruising internal contests within the United Opposition, now christened United Alternative Government.

But Ms Karua insists that Kenya’s next opposition flag bearer to face President Ruto cannot emerge from elite bargaining.

Instead, she argues, the coalition must submit itself to a process that is measurable, transparent and rooted in public opinion.

"Anybody who tells you that we'll lock ourselves in a house and come with a candidate is missing the point. We cannot select a candidate in a boardroom. We must take into account the views of the majority, and there is no other way for a presidential candidate other than a scientific process that tells us what the people want,” Ms Karua said.

She added: “A boardroom alone cannot choose a candidate for millions of Kenyans.”

On zoning, she quipped: “PLP does not favour zoning and is unlikely to accept zoning. Parties must compete. Democracy dictates that we compete and let the people decide."

The former Justice Minister also dismisses claims that separate political tours by opposition leaders signal cracks within the coalition, maintaining that parties are naturally engaged in friendly competition as they recruit members and build structures ahead of the election.

Ms Karua, and sometimes Dr Matiang’i and Mr Munya, have occasionally missed out during the joint opposition tours, signaling a possible falling out.

But Ms Karua dismisses any threat of a fallout.

Beyond coalition politics, Ms Karua also took aim at President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration over public spending, taxation, the Finance Bill, alleged corruption, police brutality, the multi-billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion controversy and the government’s handling of strategic national resources.

In this wide-ranging interview, the PLP Party leader speaks candidly about the Opposition’s future, the qualities required of a presidential candidate and why she believes the coalition must trust the people rather than political dealmakers.

You have in the recent past, toured the Mt Kenya region to market the People’s Liberation Party. How is the reception?

The reception has been extremely encouraging. We have seen great enthusiasm from wananchi and a genuine appetite for political alternatives. What excites us most is that this is only the beginning.

Many people associate PLP with Mt Kenya because of recent activities there, but ours is a national party. We have elected leaders in regions such as Wajir and Mandera and other parts of the country. Our objective is not to build a regional outfit but a national liberation movement.

We will continue expanding both in Mt Kenya and across Kenya because our vision is national in character.

Which regions are you targeting in your next tours?

Every part of Kenya is important to us. We are not approaching politics through ethnic or regional lenses. We shall continue engaging Kenyans from the coast to Eastern, from northern Kenya to western Kenya.

The challenges facing citizens are largely similar—high taxes, unemployment, poor healthcare, rising cost of living and governance concerns. Those are national issues requiring national solutions.

Statements by some leaders and parallel rallies suggest friction within the opposition. Is the coalition still united?

Absolutely.

I do not understand why people interpret individual party activities as signs of division. Every party within the coalition is conducting its own meetings and recruitment drives.

The DCP conducts its meetings. Wiper conducts its own. DAP-K does the same. PLP is doing the same. Even Dr Matiang'i has been holding his own engagements.

That is normal political activity. No political party can recruit members while carrying another party on its back. We are united in purpose but remain separate political entities.

What exists is friendly competition, not hostility.

Do you support zoning of regions?

No. PLP does not support zoning and is unlikely to support it in the future.

Democracy requires competition. The people should be allowed to decide who represents them. Political parties should not be told where they can or cannot compete.

Proponents say zoning enhances unity. What do you make of that argument?

Unity cannot be built by denying people democratic choices.

The best example I can give is the NARC experience in 2002. Where there was competition, parties conducted joint nominations and let voters decide.

You may think your party is stronger in a region, but another party may have a very popular candidate. Why deny voters the opportunity to choose?

The answer is free and fair nominations, not zoning.

Is the Opposition financially prepared to challenge an incumbent with enormous resources?

Elections should not be reduced to a contest of money.

The critical question is whether Kenyans want change. If they do, they must prioritise integrity and leadership over cash handouts.

Money cannot replace values.

Leadership should be judged on integrity, competence, honesty and commitment to public service. Kenyans must ask whether those dishing out money acquired it honestly and whether they are using public resources for political gain.

You recently launched the Tujikomboe Budget. What informed that initiative?

The philosophy behind the Tujikomboe Budget is simple: live within our means.

The government should stop imposing excessive taxes to finance wasteful expenditure. We should first seal corruption loopholes and eliminate unnecessary spending.

For example, we proposed significant reductions in government travel expenditure and stronger controls against theft of public funds.

Before asking Kenyans to pay more taxes, the government must demonstrate efficiency and accountability.

What is your assessment of Parliament today?

Unfortunately, many legislators have become rubber stamps.

Parliament's primary responsibility is to represent wananchi, not the Executive.

When citizens overwhelmingly reject certain policies yet Parliament proceeds regardless, serious questions arise about whom MPs truly represent.

Kenyans should use future elections to elect leaders who are people-centred and accountable.

If the Opposition settles on a ticket that places you outside the top two positions, would you support it?

Yes. If the process is fair, transparent and reflects the will of the people, I will support the outcome.

Elections are about the people's choice, not personal ambition.

My commitment is to ensuring the Opposition fields a single candidate capable of defeating President Ruto.

Would Mt Kenya being excluded from the top two positions weaken the coalition?

I do not look at leadership through ethnic arithmetic.

The central issue is whether the chosen candidate resonates nationally.

Mt Kenya is part of Kenya. Like other regions, it wants a strong and credible candidate who can deliver change.

The coalition's success will depend more on credibility than ethnic calculations.

What qualities should guide the selection of the Opposition presidential candidate?

The answer is found in the Constitution.

Article 10 and Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity provide the standards.

We need leaders with integrity, accountability, respect for human rights and commitment to public service.

We need leaders who protect lives, respect public resources and uphold the rule of law.

Which formula would you support in choosing a flag bearer?

Any formula must include a scientific component.

Scientific opinion polling is essential because it tells us whether a candidate resonates with voters.

You cannot win an election with a candidate who lacks public support.

Between scientific polling and political negotiations, which is more credible?

Scientific polling must play a central role.

Negotiations are important, but they cannot replace the voice of the people.

The public must have a meaningful influence on the final decision.

A boardroom alone cannot choose a candidate for millions of Kenyans.

How can the coalition avoid divisions during the nomination process?

By agreeing early on the rules.

The process must be transparent, objective and acceptable to all participants.

Everyone should know the criteria beforehand and commit to respecting the outcome.

Are you prepared to sacrifice your own ambitions for coalition unity?

Yes. If the people decide someone else is better placed to carry the flag, I will support that individual.

My objective is not personal advancement but national transformation.

Under what circumstances would you do so?

If the process is fair, transparent and reflects the genuine wishes of Kenyans.

That is the only sustainable basis for unity.

What assurances can you give Kenyans that the coalition will remain united?

Our unity is built around a shared mission.

We recognise that no single party can deliver change alone.

The coalition was founded on the principle of unity of purpose, and we remain committed to that objective.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in seeking the Opposition ticket?

My strengths are integrity, consistency, courage and commitment to constitutionalism.

As for weaknesses, that is for Kenyans to judge.

Ultimately, voters will decide who among us is best suited to lead.

What is your view of the JKIA upgrade deal?

Kenyans deserve full disclosure.

Any major infrastructure project must be transparent.

The government should publish all relevant documents and allow public scrutiny of the procurement process.

What alternative plan would you propose for JKIA?

Modernisation is necessary, but it must be undertaken transparently and competitively.

Kenyans should know who is bidding, how contracts are awarded and whether the country is receiving value for money.

What are your thoughts on President Ruto's growing engagement with the West, particularly the United States?

International relations should benefit Kenyans.

Foreign policy should not be measured by the number of trips or meetings but by tangible benefits for citizens, including jobs, investment and economic growth.

What is your view on the proposed rare earth minerals agreement involving Mrima Hills?

Kenya must ensure its natural resources benefit its people.

Any agreement involving strategic minerals should be transparent, environmentally sustainable and beneficial to local communities.

Kenyans should not be excluded from decisions involving national resources.

What are your thoughts on compensation for victims of police brutality?

Compensation is important, but it cannot replace accountability.

There must first be acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

The government should apologise to affected families and commit to ensuring such violations never happen again.

Human life cannot simply be reduced to a monetary value.

What is your parting shot?

Kenya is at a crossroads.

The responsibility for changing the country's direction does not rest with politicians alone. It rests with every Kenyan voter.

We must elect leaders who value human life, respect public resources, uphold the Constitution and place citizens at the center of governance.

Above all, we must remain united in the struggle to liberate our country and build a better future for generations to come.

Read also: 

Maraga welcomes talks on joint Opposition flagbearer says Kenya needs complete reset

Unity test in Gachagua, Kalonzo camp as partners pull in different directions

Fred Matiang’i bombshell: No boardroom deal on picking joint opposition flagbearer

Inside opposition’s plan to counter Ruto 

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