People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has officially announced her intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, saying she has a real chance of becoming Kenya’s next Head of State.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, Karua revealed that she had received the green light from her party to seek the top seat. The PLP is part of the United Opposition coalition, which brings together several leaders seeking to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
“I look ahead at the possibilities ahead of me, and there is an election coming in 2027. Therefore, there is a chance for me to be the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya, aka President,” Karua said.
She emphasized that her primary focus now is to market herself and the ideals of the PLP, which she believes align with good governance and accountability.
Karua, a former Justice Minister and Raila Odinga’s 2022 running mate, said she prefers to focus on the future rather than dwell on past political setbacks. She also stressed that addressing Kenya’s mounting public debt must start with improving governance.
“You cannot talk of public debt without first talking of governance, because that is how we get there,” she added.
Her presidential declaration comes as opposition leaders under the United Opposition coalition continue to discuss the possibility of fronting a single candidate.
In July, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that the opposition would unveil one joint presidential candidate by December 2025, chosen through consensus.
Gachagua said he is ready to support whoever is picked—whether it be Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, or Martha Karua—noting that unity is key to defeating President Ruto in 2027.
“We are clear that we cannot allow ourselves to be divided because he will slip through,” Gachagua warned.
With Karua’s declaration, the 2027 race is shaping up to be one of Kenya’s most competitive presidential contests yet.
