People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua during an interview on Citizen TV's Sunday Live show on June 14, 2026/ SCREENGRABPeople's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has ruled out serving as a running mate in the 2027 General Election, saying she is seeking to become the opposition's joint presidential candidate but would support another flag bearer if not selected.
"I will not be a running mate. I will do my best to be that united opposition candidate, but should somebody else be chosen, I am willing to support them without being their running mate," Karua said during an interview on Citizen TV's Sunday Live show.
Her remarks come as opposition parties continue discussions on forming a united front ahead of the 2027 elections, now about 14 months away.
Karua said her party, the People's Liberation Party (PLP), was already on the campaign trail through what she termed the "Purple Train", an initiative aimed at growing the party's membership and strengthening its presence across the country.
"I am Liberation Party, up and running with what we are calling the Purple Train," she said.
"The party is on its own to widen its membership and its candidate base. Although we belong to the United Opposition, we have taken time to market the People's Liberation Party, increase membership of the liberation movement and ensure that we have enough candidates."
Karua said while opposition parties were working together, each outfit had a responsibility to strengthen its structures and prepare candidates ahead of the polls.
Karua also called for a formal agreement among opposition leaders to govern the selection of a joint presidential candidate and ensure all parties respect the outcome.
She added that the opposition should sign a document outlining the rules of engagement and commit to supporting whoever emerges as the coalition's flagbearer.
"I long for the day that we will have a written document as the opposition rules of the game, which everybody signs, committing to abide by those rules and support whoever is selected," she said.
Karua, however, noted that such an agreement had not yet been finalised.
"We must sign that document sooner or later, but as we stand, we do not have that document," she said.
According to her, the proposed framework would not only guide the selection of a candidate but also establish a common agenda for the coalition.
She said opposition parties were also working towards developing a joint manifesto containing shared priorities that any eventual presidential candidate would be expected to implement.
"We also need a joint manifesto. These are the irreducibles so that everybody feels they fit in," she said.
Her comments come amid increasing speculation over who could carry the opposition ticket in 2027, with several leaders viewed as possible contenders.
When asked whether other opposition figures had committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate, Karua said each leader would have to answer that question individually.
"I think that's a question each one of them has to answer. Nobody can answer for the other," she said.
Karua has previously advocated for opposition unity, arguing that a common platform would strengthen efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election.
