Karua Faults Kenyans for ‘Cheap Leadership Choices’ Amid Mattress Bribery Claims
Martha Karua has strongly questioned the decisions Kenyan voters make during elections, asking whether citizens truly want leaders who deliver long-term development or those chosen simply because they offered bribes—money and gifts that vanish immediately after the polls.
During a press briefing on November 29, 2025, Karua expressed disappointment, wondering why many Kenyans still choose politicians involved in open malpractice instead of supporting candidates who commit to real change and accountable leadership.
Karua, a respected High Court advocate, urged voters to prioritize justice, fairness, and good governance instead of falling for short-term gifts.
She explained that accepting bribes may bring momentary comfort but ultimately fuels problems such as collapsing health services, mismanaged public resources, and ongoing injustice.
She used a striking example to illustrate her point:
“Even if a voter sleeps comfortably on a mattress received as a bribe, they will later feel the real pain when they or their loved one seeks treatment at a poorly funded and ineffective hospital,” she warned.
Karua also joked that she had never seen an election where mattresses were used so boldly as tools of bribery.
Her comments followed a viral video showing Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, while campaigning for UDA candidate David Ndakwa, distributing mattresses, blankets, and bundles of cash to elderly women in Malava Constituency. Ndakwa eventually won the by-election, a result that sparked both criticism and debate nationwide.
Karua condemned what she described as “toxic political behavior,” calling on Kenyans to reject election-related violence and intimidation.
She pointed out that despite heavy police deployment, some areas still witnessed ugly scenes—vehicles being burned, innocent voters being attacked, and blatant bribery taking place in broad daylight.
Representing the wider United Opposition leadership, she urged Kenyans to study what happened in Malava, Mbeere North, and other by-election areas as a wake-up call about the state of the country’s democracy.
Karua advised that while some voters may feel compelled to accept bribes for survival, the most important moment is inside the voting booth.
“Election day is the day you defend your future,” she said firmly, encouraging citizens to vote with wisdom rather than excitement over gifts.
She added that the Opposition would analyze everything that occurred before and during the by-elections before deciding on their next steps.
Karua hinted that they may even turn to the courts to challenge the irregularities witnessed, reminding Kenyans that the constitution gives power to the people—not to politicians who misuse their positions.
In her final remarks, Karua boldly declared that, despite everything happening now, she believes the Ruto administration will not secure a second term in office.
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