Karua declares 2027 presidential bid, vows to serve one term

By Newsflash Repoter

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has officially declared her candidacy for Kenya’s presidency in the 2027 General Election, pledging to serve only a single term if elected. Speaking at the PLP National Delegates Conference on Friday, Karua said her decision was rooted in devotion to public service and the need to restore faith in democratic institutions.

“Today, before you, I declare my candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the next General Election under the banner of the People’s Liberation Party and within a united opposition,” Karua announced to cheering delegates.

She stressed that her decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a commitment to integrity, accountability, and rebuilding public trust.

One-term promise and ‘demystifying power’

Karua said her leadership agenda could be achieved within five years, noting that no single leader can solve all of Kenya’s problems but can lay a strong foundation for others to build on. “I believe that in five years it is possible to lay a foundation. Nobody will ever finish the job of making Kenya prosperous. You lay a foundation and wait for the next team to further it,” she explained.

She framed her one-term pledge as part of a larger movement to “demystify power” in Kenya and across Africa, where leaders often cling to office. “People get to power and they refuse to leave. Martha Karua, yours truly, is seeking a single term, one term,” she said, to applause from delegates.

Launch of “One People, One Purpose, One Term”

Karua also announced plans to roll out the “One People, One Purpose, One Term” movement in the coming weeks, aimed at uniting Kenyans around justice, inclusivity, and integrity. She said the initiative would mark the beginning of a wider opposition campaign to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

“Kenyans are hurting, and Kenyans deserve better. But let me say this clearly, we shall not walk this road alone,” she declared, calling on citizens and fellow opposition leaders to rally behind her candidacy.

Opposition rivalry takes shape

Karua’s declaration sets the stage for a tough internal contest within the united opposition, as other key figures including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have also declared presidential ambitions. The opposition is under pressure to unite behind one flagbearer, with coalition leaders insisting that consensus is the only way to mount a formidable challenge against Ruto.

While Karua pledged to put service above ambition, her entry intensifies competition among aspirants and signals the beginning of heated negotiations within the opposition camp.