People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential elections as a running mate, stating her intention to support another opposition figure for the position.
During an interview on Ramogi Radio, Karua said she has “closed the chapter” on being a deputy presidential candidate since the 2022 elections.
“I closed the chapter on being a running mate in 2022. I would rather let someone else take the position,” Karua remarked.
She also dismissed circulating reports suggesting she is being considered for the position of National Assembly Speaker in a proposed opposition lineup for the 2027 General Election.
“Those claims have no basis and have not been sanctioned by any organ of the Opposition,” she said.
Karua added that she has no intention of returning to Parliament in any capacity.
“I served as a Member of Parliament for four consecutive terms. I even vied for the presidency in 2012, and I would never go back as Speaker or in any other role,” she said.
The PLP leader described the rumoured opposition lineup as fabricated and not agreed upon by coalition principals.
Karua further revealed that the opposition intends to field a single candidate for every elective seat in the upcoming polls, extending beyond the presidency.
“We are not only focusing on the presidency. The United Opposition will front a candidate for every seat contested in Kenya, from MCA level to the presidency,” she said.
Recently, two separate opposition lineups have circulated online. One suggested former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as the presidential flag bearer with former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate and Karua as National Assembly Speaker.
The other list placed Kalonzo as presidential candidate with Matiang’i as his deputy.
Other proposed names included Rigathi Gachagua as Prime Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa as Senate Speaker, Justin Muturi as Attorney General, and George Natembeya as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
