Martha Karua, the head of PLP Party, has spoken out in a frank and illuminating public declaration about her covert attempts to persuade Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja alliance, to sever all ties and support with President William Ruto.
Karua, who is renowned for her uncompromising and principled views on democracy and governance, stated that she made it plain that any backchannel discussions or agreements would simply be used to “pacify” the already disenchanted Kenyan people.
Speaking at a recent public forum, Karua disclosed that she had advised Odinga to distance himself from Ruto’s administration, warning that perceived cooperation would erode the opposition’s credibility and betray the citizens who have consistently looked to the Azimio coalition as a bulwark against poor governance.
“I told Raila plainly, we cannot be part of a government that’s deaf to the people’s cries,” Karua stated. “Secret talks only offer temporary calm, but they don’t solve the real problems Kenyans face every day.”
Her remarks are the latest indication of mounting tensions within the Azimio coalition, as differences grow over how to engage with the Kenya Kwanza government ahead of the 2027 General Election. While some leaders have taken a pragmatic route, Karua remains adamant that true change cannot be negotiated behind closed doors.
She rejected any overtures to participate in backdoor dialogues, arguing that such moves risk pacifying Kenyans with the illusion of progress while real issues, including corruption, high cost of living, and democratic backsliding, remain unresolved.
With political temperatures rising and the opposition’s strategy for 2027 still unclear, Karua’s defiant stand reaffirms her reputation as one of Kenya’s most uncompromising political figures. As the country watches for its next political chapter, her words have injected a fresh urgency into debates about leadership, integrity, and accountability.
