People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has renewed calls for gender equality in Kenya’s leadership, declaring that the time has come for the nation to elect its first female president.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, during a public address, Karua emphasized that women are equally capable of leading the country and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. Her comments came as she defended women leaders from criticism following the unrest in neighboring Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
Karua condemned what she termed as “blanket judgments” against women in leadership, urging Kenyans to avoid generalizing the failures of one leader to all women. “This time round, the Kenyan cake must also be handed to a woman so that the rights of every individual can be protected,” she said.
Referring to questions about the situation in Tanzania, Karua drew historical comparisons to underline her point. “Idi Amin was not a woman; Adolf Hitler was not a woman. Even though Kenya is not led by a woman, people are still being killed,” she stated, arguing that poor leadership should not be tied to gender.
The former Justice Minister, who served as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 General Elections, reiterated that Kenya’s political landscape needs inclusivity and fairness. “Do not blame women because one woman has made a mistake. Similarly, if a man or woman does wrong, we should not blame all members of that gender,” she added.
Karua’s comments come amid political tension in Tanzania, where President Suluhu faces mounting protests following her controversial reelection on October 29. Suluhu, who secured nearly 98 percent of the votes, has been accused of restricting opposition participation and detaining key leaders, including Tundu Lissu.
Karua’s remarks signal a renewed push for gender-balanced leadership in Kenya as the country gears up for the next general elections.
