People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has urged women seeking elective positions to embrace political competition without humiliating or attacking rivals with whom they disagree.
Speaking during a Kenya Women Parliamentarians (KEWOPA) meeting in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, 2026, Karua challenged women leaders to focus on their competence and ability as they seek elective positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Karua cautioned women against expecting to be elected simply because of their gender, urging voters to assess candidates based on their ability to provide effective leadership.
“Be elected merely because you are a woman. If you’re not competent, we have no business electing you. We cannot come from one bad governance to another. Elect capable women,” Karua said.
The PLP leader argued that competent women could secure more elective positions than men if voters concentrated on leadership capabilities rather than gender.
“And I assure you, if we go on capabilities alone, there will be more women elected than men,” she said.
Karua also sought to dispel concerns about campaign financing, saying women should not abandon their political ambitions because they lack personal wealth.
She questioned the assumption that male politicians have unlimited financial resources, noting that political campaigns can be supported through mobilisation rather than personal wealth.
“Who told you men have money? They are not, they don’t work at De La Rue or. They are not the producers of money,” Karua said.
The former Justice minister said she had successfully contested elections despite not having sufficient personal funds to finance her campaigns.
“I’ve never had sufficient funds of my own to run on. Not even the times I was elected consecutively for four times. Money is mobilized,” she said.
Karua Intensifies PLP Grassroots Mobilisation
Karua’s remarks come as the People’s Liberation Party intensifies grassroots mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party has been expanding its presence in the Mount Kenya region, with Karua engaging residents and supporters as she seeks to strengthen PLP structures ahead of the polls.
In July, the party announced plans for Karua to tour Murang’a, with engagements scheduled in areas including Kiawanduma Coffee Factory, Gitugi Shopping Centre, Gikoe Shopping Centre and Kangema Town.
Karua has also maintained that she intends to pursue the presidency in 2027 rather than seek a running mate position.
The former Justice minister has indicated that she would seek the presidential nomination within a coalition and, if unsuccessful, could consider contesting independently.
Her latest remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates intensify grassroots mobilisation and positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
