Martha Karua has questioned Kenyan voters' choices, inquiring whether Kenyans wanted performance-oriented leaders with long-term benefits or those chosen on the premise of bribes, money that runs out as soon as the election ends.
In a press briefing on November 29, 2025, Karua resignedly inquired why Kenyans opted for leaders who engaged in electoral malpractice over those who promised to deliver change.
The High Court advocate encouraged voters to choose justice over bribes, as the latter provided short-term relief while perpetuating systemic injustices, such as underfunded and ineffective healthcare.
“While voters will enjoy sleeping on the mattress (proceeds of bribery), they will experience pain and even loss when they, or their family, visit an underfunded and ineffective health facility,” Karua warned.
In the brief, Karua quipped that she had never seen an election where voters were bribed using mattresses.
Karua’s statement comes after a viral video showed Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, in support of UDA candidate David Ndakwa, handing over mattresses, blankets, and cash to several elderly women in Malava Constituency. An election in which Ndakwa became victorious.
“Say no to politically-induced election violence,” she continued. “Despite a heavy police presence in various polling stations, we witnessed vehicles set ablaze, open assault on innocent voters, and voter bribery.”
The United Opposition leader went on to call on all Kenyans to take the occurrences in Malava, Mbeere North, and other regions where by-elections were conducted as a lesson.
Karua advised voters to accept the proceeds of voter bribery, if necessary, but to put all jokes aside on election day.
“Election day is a day to fight for your future,” she insisted.
Speaking on behalf of the United Opposition leadership, Karua stated that the Opposition would collaborate in analyzing the occurrences preceding and during the by-election before deciding on the steps forward.
Hinting at the possibility of involving the courts in resolving the electoral malpractices witnessed, Karua reminded Kenyans that the constitution states that power belongs to the people and not those in powerful elected positions.
The iron lady concluded by stating that, regardless of all, the Ruto administration will only serve for one term.
