Martha Karua urges women leaders to respect rivals ahead of 2027

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has urged women candidates to focus on political competition without humiliating or attacking opponents. Speaking at a Kenya Women Parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi on August 17, 2026, Karua challenged women leaders to prioritize competence and ability when seeking election positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She cautioned against expecting to be elected solely based on gender, emphasizing that voters should choose capable leaders. "Be elected merely because you are a woman. If you’re not competent, we have no business electing you. We cannot come from one bad governance to another. Elect capable women," she stated. Karua also dismissed concerns about insufficient campaign finances, stating that women shouldn't be deterred from running for political office due to lack of personal wealth.

"Who told you men have money? They are not they don’t work at De La Rue or. they are not the producers of money," she remarked, noting her success in winning elections despite lacking personal funds. Her remarks come as the PLP intensifies grassroots mobilization across Kenya in preparation for the 2027 elections, with Karua conducting engagements to strengthen the party's structures, particularly in the Mount Kenya region.

She has expressed her intention to pursue the presidency in 2027 rather than serve as a running mate, suggesting a coalition or independent candidacy if elected as the PLP leader's candidate.