Speaking shortly after Karua’s endorsement as the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) flagbearer for 2027,
Kaluma was blunt:
“Martha Karua, you are going nowhere without Raila. Search for Kalonzo and tell him the same.”
His remarks reflect a growing reality in opposition politics — that despite Karua’s personal achievements and her loyal supporters, Raila Odinga’s shadow still looms large.
His remarks reflect a growing reality in opposition politics — that despite Karua’s personal achievements and her loyal supporters, Raila Odinga’s shadow still looms large.
Kaluma’s call for Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka to align underlines the difficulty of forging a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
On September 26, 2025, Karua secured unanimous backing from PLP delegates during the party’s National Delegates Conference at Ufungamano House, Nairobi.
On September 26, 2025, Karua secured unanimous backing from PLP delegates during the party’s National Delegates Conference at Ufungamano House, Nairobi.
The seasoned politician declared she would run for president on a platform of integrity, inclusivity, and reform.
She promised to serve for only one term, insisting her mission was to reset leadership culture.
“We are one people, one purpose, one term,” she told the gathering, outlining her priorities: universal healthcare, equal education opportunities, agricultural revival, and an uncompromising war on corruption.
For Karua, this is not new ground. She ran for president in 2013 and later teamed up with Raila in 2022, when their Azimio ticket came within a whisker of beating William Ruto.
Her career has been marked by bold stands, including resigning as Justice Minister in 2009 after disagreeing with judicial appointments she believed violated the law.
Karua has built her identity as a reformist. In Isiolo earlier this year, she reminded Kenyans that male-led governments since independence had failed to share resources fairly.
“A mother ensures everyone is fed, whether there is plenty or little,” she said, presenting herself as a leader who would put fairness at the heart of governance.
Her rebranded party, PLP — formerly NARC-Kenya — has adopted the slogan “Fight, Unite, Liberate.” It has focused heavily on youth participation, constitutional reforms, and limits on party leaders’ terms.
Karua’s endorsement was not the only highlight of the day. Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President and now leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), surprised many by praising her leadership.
Once Ruto’s close ally, Gachagua was impeached in 2024 and has since faced court battles. But instead of distancing himself, he endorsed Karua’s integrity and resilience.
“Martha Karua is one leader I believe will liberate this country,” he declared. “She will not steal from Kenyans, she will not order people to be shot, and as a grandmother, she cannot kill Gen Zs.”
His words carried extra weight because he had previously positioned himself as a frontrunner for 2027. Yet his growing closeness with Karua is no accident.
The two began holding talks after his impeachment. In January, Gachagua visited her home in Kirinyaga, and in July, they appeared together at a cultural event in Seattle, where both stressed unity and the power of cultural identity in politics.
The United Opposition, a coalition of six parties — PLP, DCP, Wiper, DAP-Kenya, Jubilee, and Democratic Party — is now under pressure to settle on a single presidential candidate.
In September, the alliance appointed former UNCTAD boss Mukhisa Kituyi as spokesperson to guide strategy. Justin Muturi, another senior opposition figure, described Karua’s endorsement as proof of momentum toward unity, calling it “a movement preparing to place a single, formidable candidate before Kenyans.”
The coalition has floated several possible names for their joint banner, including Muungano wa Ukombozi and Mageuzi Coalition. But the process of uniting is not easy.
Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa all want the top seat. Regional rivalries, like the friction between Wamalwa and Governor Natembeya in Western Kenya, or between Muturi and Gachagua in Mt Kenya East, risk destabilising the alliance.
Independent aspirants — like Boniface Mwangi, Okiya Omtatah, and former CJ David Maraga — could also pull votes away if not managed.
Kaluma’s remarks serve as a reminder that Raila Odinga’s role remains central. Even though Raila has not declared his 2027 plans, his influence in opposition politics is unmatched. For many voters, Raila’s endorsement still carries enormous weight.
Without his blessing, critics argue, Karua’s run risks being overshadowed. Kaluma’s challenge that she must seek Raila’s and Kalonzo’s support reflects the belief that no single candidate can defeat Ruto without a broad coalition.
One advantage Karua may hold lies in her partnership with Gachagua. Both come from Mt. Kenya, which commands about 20% of the national vote.
Their alliance could blunt Ruto’s attempts to divide the region by funding multiple candidates.
Karua has even defended Gachagua in the past, particularly when he raised concerns about election rigging. She urged Kenyans to focus on free and fair polls instead of dismissing his warnings.
As the opposition maneuvers, Kenyans are grappling with tough realities. The country is weighed down by a Ksh12 trillion debt, high taxes, and widespread joblessness.
Public frustration is high, particularly among young people, who feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises.
Karua has tried to channel this discontent into her message of honesty and inclusivity. Gachagua’s backing, while surprising, could help her attract voters who feel abandoned by the current administration.
Still, doubts remain. Some question whether Karua’s promise to serve only one term could destabilize succession planning.
Others worry that Gachagua’s legal battles could taint her reformist image.
The countdown to the August 10, 2027 election has begun, and pressure is mounting on the opposition to unite.
Whether the United Opposition can resist personal ambitions and agree on one candidate will determine its chances of defeating Ruto.
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