The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has challenged Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party boss Raila Odinga to stop what she termed as “politics of dishonesty” in Kenya.
Speaking on a local radio station on Friday, September 5, 2025, Karua faulted Raila for what she described as double-dealing, urging him to make a clear choice between supporting President William Ruto’s administration or standing firmly with the opposition.
“My brother Raila, please stop the politics of dishonesty. Being in government with one leg and occupying committees that belong to the opposition obstructs the work of holding government to account. Go to the government honourably,” Karua declared.
Her remarks follow a political storm triggered by Raila and Ruto’s recent meetings with Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs), which ultimately saved Governor Johnson Sakaja from impeachment. The development has sparked debate within opposition ranks, with critics accusing Raila of undermining the oversight role of elected leaders.
Karua reminded the ODM leader that Kenyans expect a strong opposition to safeguard democracy and ensure accountability. “Raila must be clear on which side he belongs. He cannot continue to weaken the opposition while dining with the government at the same time,” she insisted.
Her criticism adds to the growing rift within the opposition, after Ruth Odinga also faulted Raila earlier in the week for his role in saving Sakaja.
Away from opposition politics, Karua also weighed in on security concerns in Mandera County. She accused the government of deliberately downplaying reports that Jubaland forces had crossed into the region.
“Ruto and his rogue regime are deliberately creating insecurity, realising that people are not with them,” Karua claimed, challenging Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to address the matter from Mandera itself. She also questioned the silence of Defence CS Soipan Tuya.
Karua’s remarks are expected to fuel further debate both on the state of opposition politics and insecurity in northern Kenya, issues likely to shape the political landscape as the country heads toward the 2027 elections.
