People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has firmly stated that she will not be a running mate in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Hot 96 on Thursday, Karua made it clear that if she is not vying for the presidency, she will not accept a deputy role.
“I have said if I’m not a candidate, I’m not going to be deputy. The deputy business ended in the 2022 elections,” Karua asserted.
While she is currently working with various opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Karua emphasized that their focus is on forming a coalition to field a strong presidential candidate.
“We shall decide on one candidate, and if it will not be me, I will fully support whoever it will be. And remember, there is only one president and one deputy president position,” she said.
Karua first declared her unwillingness to be a running mate in January, reinforcing that her days of being a number two ended after the 2022 elections. However, she clarified that her decision does not mean she will not support another candidate.
“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 stated.
Karua was Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 elections under the Azimio la Umoja coalition. Following the election, she exited the coalition after Raila began working with President William Ruto in pursuit of the African Union Commission chairmanship.
A seasoned politician, Karua previously ran for the presidency in 2013 and contested for the Kirinyaga governorship in 2017, losing to Anne Waiguru. As Kenya heads toward the 2027 elections, Karua remains a key political figure, with her next move being closely watched.
