Martha Karua, the leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has firmly announced that she will run for president in the 2027 general elections. Speaking to residents of Isiolo on Monday, Karua urged Kenyans to consider voting for a female president, highlighting that men have led the country since independence without achieving the desired unity. She emphasized that a woman, much like a mother who unites a family, would bring much-needed cohesion to the nation.
Karua’s vision for Kenya, if she becomes president, is one of unity and care. Drawing a comparison between a mother and the role of a president, she stated, “A mother would not let her kids go to bed hungry, and when there is not enough food, she finds a way to divide it among them. That is what we want for Kenya.” According to her, Kenya needs a leader who can ensure that all citizens are cared for, especially in times of scarcity and division.
This announcement marks a significant moment in Karua’s political journey, as she reaffirmed her decision not to run as a deputy in the 2027 elections. In March 2025, Karua made it clear that she would not accept the role of running mate, stating that the vice presidency was behind her. She reflected on her previous experiences, particularly in the 2022 general elections when she was Raila Odinga’s running mate, noting that she had moved past that phase in her career.
Despite her previous loss in the 2013 presidential race and an unsuccessful bid for Kirinyaga Governor in 2017, Karua has remained a prominent figure in Kenyan politics. She remains committed to strengthening the opposition and working with like-minded individuals to present a strong alternative in the upcoming elections.
Karua’s bold step to vie for the presidency in 2027 reflects her determination to break new ground in Kenya’s political landscape by offering voters a woman’s leadership at the highest level. She is confident that it is time for Kenyans to “try a woman under PLP.”
