Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua has once again emphasized her stance on her political relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, following his recent meeting with President William Ruto. In an exclusive interview with Citizen TV, Karua made it clear that while she continues to consider Uhuru a brother and a friend, she strongly disagrees with the political path that he has chosen in the wake of his presidency.
“I want to say that Uhuru remains my brother and friend just as Raila remains my brother and friend. But the political direction, I beg to differ,” Karua explained. Her remarks underscore the complex nature of Kenyan politics, where personal relationships often clash with political affiliations and ideological differences.
Karua’s comments came shortly after news emerged of a significant meeting between President Ruto and Uhuru at the former president’s home in Ichaweri, Gatundu. The meeting stirred political speculation, especially as it coincided with Ruto’s appointment of several individuals aligned with Uhuru’s camp to high-profile positions in his administration. These appointments included the likes of former Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and former Governors William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui, all of whom found themselves in key government roles.
Despite the political maneuvers, Karua remains steadfast in her opposition to the current administration, a stance she has reiterated on several occasions. She expressed concern that both Uhuru and Raila Odinga, her fellow political figure and ally, might have been misled by the notion that working with Ruto would result in a change in his leadership style.
“I’m saying if they are informed by a genuine desire, imagining that because of joining him, Ruto will be any different, I am telling them they are totally mistaken, and they have misread the man,” Karua warned. Her comments reflect a deep skepticism about Ruto’s political transformation, suggesting that joining forces with him would not lead to a fundamental shift in his governance approach.
While Karua’s criticisms were directed at the political direction taken by both Uhuru and Raila, she emphasized that everyone is entitled to make their own choices, acknowledging the autonomy of individuals in determining their political affiliations.
“You must allow everybody to act according to how they see best,” she stated, reiterating the importance of personal agency in politics. This remark highlights Karua’s belief in a democracy where individuals are free to make decisions based on their understanding and conviction.
Karua’s position on the political divide in Kenya has been unwavering. In August, she further solidified her commitment to the opposition, declaring that her role would remain the same regardless of Raila’s political moves. “Whether or not our brother Raila goes to AU, and we wish him well, the position doesn’t change. He remains here, we still remain a voice, he goes, we still play our role,” Karua said. This statement reaffirmed her belief that the opposition’s duty is not contingent on the presence of any particular individual but is rooted in a collective responsibility to hold the government accountable.
Karua’s remarks are significant as they offer a rare insight into the personal and political dynamics of Kenya’s political elite. Her words suggest that while personal ties may endure, political ideologies often create insurmountable divides. The relationship between Karua and Uhuru has evolved over the years, with their friendship and political differences offering a glimpse into the challenges of Kenyan politics, where alliances are often forged and broken.
As the political landscape in Kenya continues to shift, Karua’s position remains one of opposition and vigilance. She has made it clear that, despite her respect for Uhuru and Raila, she will not be swayed from her path and will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse of the nation.
Her political journey, now more than ever, underscores the tension between personal loyalty and political ideology—an enduring theme in Kenya’s complex political tapestry.
