Martha Karua, the leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has thrown down the gauntlet. In a bold move that signals deepening cracks within the opposition, Karua publicly declared her willingness to work with Raila Odinga—but only on her terms.  Karua challenged the former Prime Minister to end his political alliance with President William Ruto and instead endorse her for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Her statement wasn’t a polite political suggestion—it was a direct demand. “Yes, I am ready to work with him if he severs his ties with Ruto and supports me,” Karua said firmly. “I supported him before; it’s time for him to return the favour.”

From Ally to Adversary

Karua’s frustration stems from Raila’s current cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government—an alliance she believes has compromised the values they once stood for. According to Karua, Raila’s recent alignment with Ruto has alienated the very demographic they both claimed to fight for: the youth.

“Raila used to have a firm political stance,” she noted, lamenting what she sees as a betrayal. “He once stood strong against oppression, but today he stands next to the regime that has orchestrated harm against the youth.”

For Karua, the youth-led protests and resistance movements that have risen in Kenya over the past few years have been met with force and neglect from the Ruto administration. She believes Raila, once a symbol of defiance and democratic resistance, has muted his voice in exchange for proximity to power.

Eyes Set on the Presidency

Karua’s ambitions are now crystal clear. No longer content with playing second fiddle, she has her eyes on the presidency. With the next general election inching closer, she’s repositioning herself as a reformist alternative—untethered from political baggage and uncompromising in her values.

“I’m not in this to make peace with oppression,” she said. “I want to lead, and I want to lead differently.”

Karua’s pitch is direct: if Raila refuses to part ways with Ruto, then she will forge ahead alone.

Electoral Vigilance and a Parallel Tally

Aside from political alliances, Karua also addressed the looming question of election credibility. With suspicions of state interference in past elections still lingering, she announced that the opposition would establish a parallel tallying centre in 2027 to ensure vote transparency.

She emphasized that this was not just about watching the polls—it was about safeguarding democracy. “We will not allow this government to compromise another election,” she warned. “Kenyans must remain vigilant, and we must hold the electoral process accountable.”

Rallying the  People

Despite the potential split within opposition ranks, Karua remains confident. She’s betting on the frustration many Kenyans feel—particularly the youth, civil society groups, and disenchanted voters—to power her campaign.

Her message is tailored for those tired of political recycling and backroom deals. She is positioning herself as the only figure bold enough to stand alone, to say “no” when everyone else says “yes,” and to challenge even her former allies if they deviate from the cause.