THARAKA NITHI, May 2026 -The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) presidential aspirant Martha Karua has urged Kenyans to make better choices of leaders who will adequately serve their interests in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking to residents at Chiakariga, Karua who doubles up as PLP party leader described the state of infrastructure and health as a betrayal of public trust and a regional emergency, with a firm clarion of “Ondoa wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi” during the party’s tour of Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties.
In what she termed as persistent failure of infrastructure and the collapse of the healthcare system under the current administration, Karua criticised the government’s reliance on grand ceremonies that mask a lack of tangible results.
“Level 5 hospitals are only so by name! No resources and supplies have been allocated yet. Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions, which are meant to fund them, aren’t always on time every month. Ni haki kweli?” she posed.
According to Karua, a mother in labour should not have to pray that the road is passable before she reaches help and a family should not have to choose between buying medicine and eating.
Every Kenyan who walks into a public hospital, she emphasised should find medicine on the shelves, emergency care that responds, and staff who are paid and well-equipped to help.
“SHA should work for the patient. That is what a Karua government will deliver.”
She pointed to the Economic Survey 2026 from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), as evidence of a deepening crisis, noting that the SHA is spending nearly twice what it collects, while failing at delivery.
Karua contrasted the former National Housing Fund’s (NHIF’s) 83.2 percent payout ratio with the new fund’s staggering 158.6 percent utilization rate, warning that fiscal discipline has collapsed.
She also declared her intention to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election, while cautioning residents against believing government narratives as they seek re-election. Her remarks followed Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki’s April 1st pledge of “tangible development” through the 7B Nithi Bridge, with Sh200 million said to be needed for land compensation.
Karua further dismissed these delays as excuses and addressed the issue directly, stating: “Wenye nchi do not eat launch ceremonies. They deserve safe roads and hospitals that heal. Year after year, promises are made and billions announced yet roads remain half‑done, hospitals are underfunded, and farmers are unsupported.”
“If this government cannot finish the basics, how can the people trust them with the 7B Nithi Bridge? Leadership is not convoys and groundbreakings; it is delivering results,” she noted.
Calling on Kenyans to unite for change, Karua emphasised the need for a government focused on service delivery, urging citizens to vote for leaders who can deliver meaningful transformation.
“Kenya Kwanza has perfected the art of the grand launch, but no service delivery. Billions are announced for projects, as they give excuses for delays. If Ruto’s government cannot deliver the basics, they have no business managing the national budget or the future of our families.”
A country is built by the sweat of wenye nchi (citizens), and they deserve to enjoy its benefits, not see them stolen by the corrupt.”
Karua affirmed her commitment to work with other members of the Opposition even as she continues PLP’s tours across the country. This is her second visit in her Kenya‑wide consultations with wenye nchi, following earlier engagements in Nyeri and Kirinyaga.
She reiterated that her run for the presidency is aimed at setting the country’s systems straight within one term, paving the way for young leaders to take the mantle, and expressed readiness to partner with anyone genuinely working for the people of Kenya.
The tour continues Sunday, May 10th, through Embu County, covering NICA Mwamba (Imara Gakwegori), Manyatta, Kanyuambora, Karurumo, and Embu Town.
She was accompanied by party members including John Gitonga (Senator, Tharaka Nithi), Benjamin Kaburu (MP Maara, Constituency Tharaka Nithi County), Robin Karani (MP, Chuka), Frank Murimi (MCA, Chiakariga Ward, Tharaka Nithi), Nkirote Regina (Women Rep, Meru), and Karen Mwangi (Women Rep, Nyeri).
The rest were Phillip Migwi (Governor, Kirinyaga), Peter Ndambiri (Governor, Kirinyaga), Joseph Nyaga Njeru (MCA Evurore Ward, Meru County), Kamau Destiney (MP, Nakuru Bahati), and Reuben Kamau (MP, Nakuru East).
