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| Photo Collage/Blessed media 001 Martha karua & President William Ruto |
Former Justice Minister and 2027 presidential hopeful Martha Karua has challenged President William Ruto to resign if he cannot withstand political competition, while condemning what she described as escalating political violence and intimidation targeting opposition gatherings.
In a statement issued on August 16, Karua, who is the leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), said political violence and the disruption of political meetings posed a threat to Kenya’s democratic freedoms.
“If you cannot handle political competition, resign. Do not destabilize an entire country simply because its people are demanding a different choice.”
Karua’s remarks followed reports of attacks and disruptions involving members and supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement. According to her statement, groups of armed youths allegedly blocked roads, burned tyres, attacked a Linda Mwananchi convoy and disrupted planned political gatherings.
The statement also reported that a group of individuals entered a hotel in Homa Bay while allegedly searching for members of the movement.
Karua Raises Concerns Over Political Violence
Karua argued that the reported incidents should not be treated as isolated events, pointing to similar disruptions at political gatherings in recent months.
She cited an incident in Kisii in which a convoy was reportedly attacked by groups armed with clubs and stones, with one supporter, Vincent Osiemo, later reported to have died from injuries sustained during the attack.
She also referred to a disrupted rally in Nyahururu and claims by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata that his driver had been shot.
Karua said the repeated incidents raised questions about whether organized groups were being used to intimidate political opponents and restrict citizens from exercising their constitutional freedoms.
“Political Goonism Is Not Democracy”
Karua maintained that political competition should not be determined by which side can mobilize the most violent group.
She said the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to participate in political activities and assemble peacefully, arguing that those rights should not depend on whether a person’s political views are convenient to those in power.
In a further warning, Karua said Kenya’s history demonstrates the dangers of allowing political intolerance and violence to become normalized.
“We have seen, in this country's past, what happens when political intolerance is allowed to fester unchallenged.”
She warned that political violence can spread beyond individual rallies or counties and ultimately affect ordinary citizens.
Calls for Investigation Into Organizers
Karua also called for investigations to go beyond arresting individuals found at the scenes of political violence.
She said authorities should establish who organizes, finances and deploys groups involved in attacks.
“We must demand to know who organises these goons! Who pays them?”
She further questioned why citizens were sometimes left to defend themselves while security officers were present during incidents of political unrest.
Karua Defends Political Freedoms Ahead of 2027
With Kenya's 2027 General Election approaching, Karua said the country must resist the normalization of political violence.
She reaffirmed her commitment to constitutional democracy and said her presidential bid was aimed at restoring leadership that regards public office as a public trust rather than a tool for intimidation or political survival.
Karua said a government under her leadership would protect democratic institutions, respect judicial independence, safeguard citizens’ right to dissent and participate freely, and strengthen government accountability.
The remarks come as political competition begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
