People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has revealed that she will seek only one presidential term in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the party's special national delegates conference on Friday, Karua made the unprecedented declaration as part of her vision to transform Kenya's political landscape.
In a passionate address to party delegates, Karua outlined her philosophy behind the single-term commitment, emphasizing the importance of laying solid groundwork for future leadership rather than pursuing extended political tenure.
"I believe that in five years it is possible to lay a foundation," Karua declared to the gathering. "Nobody will ever finish the job of making Kenya prosperous. You lay a foundation and you wait for the next team to come and further that."
"So I want to open by saying I will be seeking one term," drew significant attention from the delegates present.
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Karua positioned her conference address as a pivotal moment for Kenya's political future, declaring the gathering as a "clarion call" for change.
Karua also proclaimed that both her party and the country were prepared for the political transformation ahead.
"But let this conference be remembered as the clarion call. PLP is ready. Martha Karua is ready. Kenya is ready," she stated.
The leader painted a picture of unity and purpose, emphasizing that success would come through collective effort rather than individual ambition.
"And together, with humility in our hearts and unity as our shield, we will not only contest an election, we will reclaim our republic. We will take our country back," she declared.
The PLP leader's announcement comes amid efforts to build opposition unity, with plans to launch a broader movement in the coming weeks.
The "One People, One Purpose, One Term" initiative represents her attempt to rally Kenyans around themes of integrity and accountability.
The announcement sets up what promises to be intense competition within opposition circles, particularly with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressing presidential ambitions.
During the same conference, Gachagua demonstrated his eagerness to challenge President William Ruto, particularly in potential televised debates.
"But I will have only one disappointment if I am not chosen, just one, which is that I will miss the opportunity to face President William Ruto in the presidential debates," Gachagua stated. "Because if I face him in the debates, I will beat him in debating."
Despite the competition, Gachagua pledged his support for whichever opposition candidate emerges as the consensus choice. "Martha, I want to assure you that if you convince us you are the candidate, I will campaign for you the way I campaigned for Ruto," he promised.
