People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has firmly dismissed claims that she is being considered for the position of National Assembly Speaker in a proposed opposition lineup for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi Radio on Thursday morning, Karua clarified that the viral list making rounds on social media had no basis and had not been sanctioned by any organ of the United Opposition.
Karua, who served as a Member of Parliament for four consecutive terms, stated that her political aspirations do not involve returning to Parliament in any capacity. She reiterated that she had already played her part in the legislature.
"I was in Parliament for four consecutive terms, and therefore I absolutely have no intention of going back to the House in whatever role or capacity. I even vied for the presidency in 2012, and I would never ever go back as Speaker or otherwise," she said.
Karua added that her focus remains on national leadership, hinting that her ambitions lie higher - possibly toward the presidency under the United Opposition coalition, which she co-convened alongside Kalonzo Musyoka.
Fabricated Lineup
The former Justice Minister also discredited the alleged 2027 opposition lineup, saying it was fabricated and not agreed upon by coalition principals. She questioned how a list featuring her name and other leaders was generated without consultation.
"That lineup is just someone’s opinion. If there had been a genuine process to come up with one, we would have been involved. I am a co-convener of the United Opposition. Something of that magnitude cannot be done behind our backs," she remarked.
Karua stressed that any official opposition lineup must reflect the strengths and contributions of individual leaders and cannot be dictated by sensational posts or political speculation on social media.
She also revealed that the opposition intends to field a single candidate for every elective seat in the upcoming polls—not just the presidency—as part of efforts to consolidate their strength against the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
"We are not only focusing on the presidency. The United Opposition will front a candidate for every seat that will be contested in Kenya, from the MCA level to the presidency," she said.
Two separate opposition lineups have emerged online, one suggesting former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i as the presidential flag bearer with Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate and Karua as National Assembly Speaker. Another list placed Kalonzo as the presidential candidate with Matiang’i as his deputy.
Other proposed names in the viral lists include Rigathi Gachagua as Prime Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa as Senate Speaker, Justin Muturi as Attorney General, and George Natembeya as Interior CS. However, the lists have sparked divisions, with leaders now jostling for influence ahead of official coalition talks.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, added to the speculation while on a tour in the US, insisting that his impeachment as deputy president in October 2024 does not bar him from seeking the presidency in 2027.
