People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua
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People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has firmly ruled out any potential collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The announcement comes as Odinga faces increased scrutiny over his engagement with President William Ruto’s administration. Karua asserts that Odinga's current position, seemingly operating between the government and opposition, is legally unsustainable. She insists he must make a definitive choice: either formalize a post-election coalition with the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance or unequivocally commit to the opposition.
The opposition leader has criticized Odinga for interacting with the government without a legally binding agreement with President Ruto, deeming such actions unlawful. She emphasizes the necessity of formalizing any accord with Ruto in accordance with constitutional guidelines, thereby ending what she termed an "illegal cohabitation" within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Odinga’s political future remains uncertain. He recently concluded a two-week nationwide consultative tour, culminating in a final meeting in Nairobi where challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA) were addressed. During a forum in Wajir, Odinga also dismissed the possibility of partnering with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has publicly cast doubt on the viability of a potential presidential run by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, emphasizing that a candidate's success hinges on nationwide support, not regional backing. Speaking on Thursday, Odinga asserted that relying solely on votes from Kisii County, Matiang'i's home region, would be insufficient to secure a presidential victory.
"Someone running for the presidency cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes," Odinga stated, following a consultative meeting with residents of Kisii County.
Odinga acknowledges that he has not received direct confirmation from Matiang'i regarding his presidential aspirations, characterizing reports of a potential bid as speculative.
"This is something we will deal with when the right time comes. Mr Matiang’i has not yet come forward to speak and clarify that he wants to run for the presidency," he said.