Martha Karua Unites Opposition Leaders to Challenge Kenya’s President Ruto in 2027

The push to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election is gaining momentum, with a coalition of political leaders committing to front a single candidate.

During the unveiling of the rebranded People’s Liberation Party of Kenya (PLP)—formerly Narc Kenya—the coalition leaders emphasized the need for selflessness and unity in their bid to challenge the Kenya Kwanza government, which they accused of misgovernance.

Among those leading the charge are PLP leader Martha Karua, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, represented by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka. The leaders declared their willingness to support whoever is selected as the coalition’s flagbearer.

Call for Immediate Change

Karua insisted that Ruto’s administration must be stopped, emphasizing that change does not have to wait until 2027.

“It does not have to be 2027 for him to go—it can be sooner. We will soon outline our activities because liberating our country requires unity of purpose,” Karua stated.

She warned against what she described as Ruto’s gradual drift toward dictatorship and committed to leading the coalition’s efforts. “I accept the challenge of being the convener of this movement, subject to my colleagues’ consent,” she affirmed.

Karua stressed that PLP’s rebranding represents a renewed commitment to uniting and liberating Kenyans. She also reiterated that while she has presidential ambitions, she is willing to step aside for the sake of unity.

“Every ambition is valid, but Kenya must come first. Whoever is picked as the candidate through a transparent process will have our full support,” she assured.

United for a Common Goal

Gachagua echoed Karua’s sentiments, stating that the coalition’s main goal is to liberate the country through a unified front.

“We have a critical task ahead of us. This country must be freed, and that will only happen if we stand together. We are ready to sacrifice for the people,” he declared.

The leaders agreed on the need to strengthen their respective parties while mobilizing support, with plans to eventually settle on a single candidate to face Ruto in the 2027 elections.

According to Gachagua, Kenyans are demanding a strategy to remove Ruto from office. “People are urging us to come up with a plan. We have a duty to deliver change. In just two years, Ruto has crippled the healthcare and education sectors, driven up the cost of living, and misled Kenyans with empty promises.”

Gachagua also accused Ruto of dishonesty, stating:

“I have never seen a liar like Ruto. He can lie while looking you straight in the eye. Even religious leaders were deceived. He came with a Bible, spoke our language, sang our songs, and we fell for it.”

Dismissing concerns that unseating Ruto will be difficult, Gachagua asserted that those who have worked closely with him understand his strategies and know how to counter him. He also claimed that the recent Ksh76 billion budget “error” was a scheme to bribe Kenyans and political leaders.

A Growing Coalition

Kalonzo Musyoka emphasized that the country is now united against Ruto’s leadership.

“Kenya is speaking with one voice. What we are building today will be bigger than the 2002 coalition that removed KANU from power. Kenyans have every reason to rise and reject misrule,” Kalonzo declared.

He stressed that their movement will be action-driven, with plans to intensify their liberation efforts. He also proposed that June 25 be declared a national holiday to commemorate their unity.

“Our MPs have shown solidarity. Now, we urge them to take this message to every village—change is coming,” Kalonzo said.

Senator Onyonka, speaking on behalf of Fred Matiang’i, revealed that Matiang’i will rejoin the movement in a month and will work with whoever is chosen as the coalition’s presidential candidate.

Ruto Dismisses Opposition Efforts

Meanwhile, in Mombasa, President Ruto dismissed his critics, accusing them of lacking a clear vision for the country.

“We will not allow people without a plan to distract us with ethnic politics and divisive rhetoric. My goal is to unite all Kenyans,” Ruto declared.

As the political landscape continues to shift, the opposition’s commitment to unity could pose a significant challenge to Ruto’s re-election bid. However, whether they will successfully agree on a single candidate remains to be seen.