People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly dismissed reports suggesting she is being lined up to become the Speaker of the National Assembly in a proposed opposition team for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a candid interview on Ramogi Radio on Thursday morning, Karua addressed the growing speculation sparked by a viral list circulating on social media. She made it clear that the list had no official backing and had not been approved by any leadership organ within the United Opposition coalition.
Karua, a seasoned politician who served as a Member of Parliament for four consecutive terms, firmly stated that her days in the legislature were behind her and that she had no desire to return in any form, including as Speaker.
“I served in Parliament for four full terms. I have no intention whatsoever of returning to the National Assembly in any role.
In fact, I ran for president back in 2012, and I can confidently say I will never go back as Speaker or in any other parliamentary capacity,” she said.
Focus on National Leadership, Not Parliament
Karua made it clear that her current political focus is on national leadership, hinting at higher ambitions—possibly the presidency—within the United Opposition coalition. As one of the co-conveners of the coalition alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Karua stressed that any major decisions must involve all key players.
Exposing the Fabricated Lineup
The former Justice Minister also tore into the so-called 2027 opposition lineup, terming it as “fabricated fiction.” She questioned the legitimacy of such lists, noting that no coalition leaders, including herself, were ever consulted.
“That lineup is just someone’s imagination. If there had been a real, structured process to create such a list, we would have been part of it.
I co-convene the United Opposition—I would definitely know about it. Such major decisions cannot and should not happen behind our backs,” Karua emphasized.
She added that official opposition decisions should reflect the strengths, experience, and contributions of each leader—not random posts made on social media for clout or speculation.
One Candidate per Seat, Nation-Wide Strategy
Karua also shared insight into the coalition’s broader strategy, revealing that the United Opposition plans to field one candidate for every elective seat in the 2027 elections. This move is aimed at unifying the opposition vote to better challenge the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.
“Our eyes are not only on the presidency. We will have a single, agreed-upon candidate for every seat—from Members of County Assembly (MCAs) all the way to the presidency,” she revealed.
Conflicting Lineups and Political Tensions Rise
So far, two unofficial opposition lineups have made rounds online. One version names former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as the presidential candidate, Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate, and Karua as National Assembly Speaker.
Another proposes Kalonzo for president, Matiang’i as his deputy, and Karua omitted from legislative roles.
Other names thrown into the mix include Rigathi Gachagua as Prime Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa as Senate Speaker, Justin Muturi as Attorney General, and George Natembeya as Interior CS.
These premature lists have already begun to stir tension among opposition leaders, all of whom are keen to position themselves ahead of official coalition talks.
Rigathi Gachagua’s Political Resilience
Adding fuel to the fire, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua—despite being impeached as Deputy President in October 2024—insisted while on a tour of the United States that nothing stops him from running for the presidency in 2027.
Karua’s firm stance sends a clear message: leadership decisions within the United Opposition will not be dictated by social media buzz but by structured dialogue and unity among its principals.
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