Karua makes U-turn on not deputising a presidential candidate again

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has now changed her stance over not deputizing anyone again in the presidential contest.

Speaking during the launch of her rebranded party, Karua said that while she may have said that, it is important for all leaders to know that it is important to put the interests of the country first.

She said even as the Opposition is working on a united front to face the Kenya Kwanza administration in the 2027 general elections, the candidate will be decided in a transparent mechanism they shall all agree on.

The former Justice Minister said she does not have to be in the ticket with whoever will be picked, insisting she is ready and willing to offer her full support.

Karua said the goal is to liberate the country from the current administration.

“Each one of us must subordinate their interest to the interest of the nation. Whoever gets selected as a candidate through a transparent method shall all queue behind that person.

“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 said.

The event was attended by, among others, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K).

Speaking in January, Karua, who then was Narc Kenya leader, said she would not deputise anyone in the 2027 general elections.

Karua insisted that she will only gun for the country's top seat.

She said that 2022 was the last time she played second fiddle to anyone and that she is done.

“To my friend Senator Daniel Karaba, at this level, I cannot become anyone's deputy again. If there's any prayer you're making, it is for me to get the president’s seat that I will vie for in the next election. That one (running mate) I got done with in 2022.

“I did my work (asking for votes) thoroughly. If you, my supporter, haven't done your work thoroughly, I have gone past that stage. Just wait, I will ask for your vote, and I will vie for the top position,” she said on Friday.

Karua insisted that she will continue to work with like-minded people to strengthen the country’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.