Martha Karua, the leader of the NARC Kenya party, has confirmed her intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections. This announcement comes 14 years after her first attempt in 2013, where she finished sixth behind former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Karua is determined to make another attempt at the country’s top office, and if successful, she would become the third woman to contest for the presidency in Kenya, joining Charity Ngilu and Wangari Maathai, who ran in the 1997 elections.
In a roundtable discussion at K24 on November 25, Karua expressed her confidence in her ability to lead the country. “I ran as a deputy before, and now I’m ready to lead,” she stated, highlighting her readiness to compete for the position and leave the decision to the people of Kenya. Karua made it clear that she would not be anyone’s running mate this time, signaling her full commitment to the presidential race.
She also called for unity among opposition leaders, urging them to come together and select the best candidate to represent their interests in the race. Karua emphasized the importance of healthy competition and the need for presidential hopefuls to demonstrate their readiness for such a significant responsibility.
Her comments came shortly after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah hinted at his own presidential bid, signaling that multiple opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, are preparing to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming election. With the political landscape heating up, Karua’s announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting presidential race.
By Kenyans