Kaluma questions how Raila picked Karua as running mate
By Nancy Marende, July 15, 2025Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has questioned how the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader settled on People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua in the 2022 general elections.
In the elections, the Kenya Kwanza government led by President William Ruto won by 50.5 per cent of the votes against the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which garnered 48.8 per cent.
In a statement on X on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Kaluma stated that Karua did bring tangible votes from her polling station.
‘I don’t understand how Baba chose her as his running mate in 2022! She returned zero votes—even from her own polling station!” he stated.
His remarks come days after Karua officially declared her intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election.
Karua
Addressing Kenyans in the United States during a meeting also attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Karua made it clear that she will not take up the role of a running mate again, as she did in 2022.
“In case you hadn’t known, I am vying for the presidency. I said I am done with running mate business, having finished that era in 2022,” Martha Karua said.
Karua stated that she is committed to being on the ballot as a presidential candidate and is actively working towards that goal. She emphasised that if the opposition settles on another candidate, she will fully support the decision but will not accept a deputy role. According to her, the focus is now on winning the top seat.
“But I am also ready. If, in the unlikely event, another person is chosen as a candidate, I will subordinate my ambitions and support without being a running mate because Kenya is bigger than anyone else, but for now I am working so hard, and I’m going to work day and night to be that candidate,” she added.
She highlighted her dedication to upholding the rule of law, noting that Kenya’s governance issues stem from its consistent disregard. With a strong legal background and years of public service, Karua believes she is well-positioned to lead the country.
“If the whole idea about governance is about the rule of law, then I have those qualifications. I think I have lived up to the rule of law and good governance,” she stated.