- Martha Karua confirmed that she will not be anyone’s running mate, insisting that her focus remains on the presidential ticket
- He vowed to fully support any candidate chosen by the United Opposition if he is not nominated, emphasizing unity over personal political ambitions
- Karua described himself as a standing president, planning to be ready to face William Ruto in 2027 while continuing to commit to the mission of the opposition
Leader of the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) Martha Karua has hinted at the possibility of taking a back seat within the United Opposition Union if he misses the presidential ticket in the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
Speaking in a radio interview on Friday morning, February 27, Karua said he will not agree to give up his ambition for another candidate.
He also stated that he has no intention of being anyone’s running mate.
“I have already said and my colleagues know, I am ready to be anyone’s running mate? No. But if I am not nominated, I myself am a presidential candidate. I describe myself as the standing president, William Ruto is the sitting president. I am the standing president, I am waiting for that seat to be vacant and he will find me sitting properly,” he said.
Karua said he is in the best position to face the President William Ruto in the next lot.
He said he will sell his ambition to his colleagues within the wing, and try to convince them to consider him for the ticket.
However, he reiterated his commitment to the cause of the United Opposition even if he is not elected to represent the opposition in the vote.
His ambition is not to be anyone’s deputy, but not having a ticket will not push him out of the coalition.
He vowed to remain committed to removing Ruto from power in any position other than running mate.
“If I am not elected and I continue to work, I am fighting to be elected. I will be ready, Kenya is bigger than me. I will be ready to support 100 percent whoever is elected according to the systems we will put in place. That does not mean that I am the only one. It only means that if I miss the opportunity, I will not be a deputy, but I will support 100 percent.
Because I thought maybe what you meant was that if I’m not nominated then, I’ll go my own way. No, I have said it 100 times and I think in the United Alternative Government, as we call ourselves now, I am the candidate who has said more than anyone else that if I am not nominated, I will support 100 percent. So there is no confusion,” he said.
How the United Opposition is lining up against Ruto
Apart from Karua, the opposition list includes the leader of DCP Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka wa Wiper Democratic MovementEugene Wamalwa of DAP Kenya, and former Internal Security Minister Fred Matiang’i, who have all announced their intention to run for the presidency.
Gachagua said the coalition will choose the most suitable candidate among them to face Ruto in 2027.
He warned that early disclosure of decisions could give the president an advantage by enabling him to plan strategies to deal with them.
Gachagua assured supporters that their unity will last, insisting that detailed consultations will enable him to find a stronger candidate to fight Ruto.
He added that those who will not be selected to run will still be considered for influential positions such as the leadership of the Parliament and the positions of the Council of Ministers if their party forms the next government.
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