Karua rallies Gichugu residents behind call to oust Ruto regime

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has once again taken aim at President William Ruto’s government, renewing her long-running calls for its removal and accusing it of dragging the country into deeper crisis.
While addressing residents of Gichugu in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, June 15, 2025, Karua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of plunging the country into economic turmoil, silencing dissent, and turning a blind eye to human rights violations.
She thanked residents in Mururi, Kiamutugu, and Mukinduri market for embracing her message of change, saying the country is in urgent need of new leadership.
“Thank you, my people and residents of Gichugu in Mururi, Kiamutugu, and Mukinduri market for receiving our message. Kirinyaga is my home, but so is Kenya,” Karua stated.
“At a time when injustice and bad governance are at an all-time high, we must stand together, united for our country. Our message is clear: the Ruto administration has failed and must go. It’s time to make way for a transformative agenda that reclaims our nation’s promise. Change cannot wait.”

2nd to none
Her remarks came weeks after she appeared on Kameme TV on May 26, 2025, where she outlined her plans to lead the country into a new era of justice, accountability, and economic recovery.
Karua, who has in the recent past said she is done playing second fiddle, declared she is ready to step up and offer alternative leadership after years of playing supporting roles in coalitions.
“My pursuit of leadership isn’t driven by money or power, but by passion to serve the people and address their needs,” she said during the interview.
Although she has been out of formal office for 12 years, Karua said her continued work on the ground and involvement in advocacy have kept her connected to the people’s struggles. She noted that her party’s rebranding from NARC-Kenya to the People’s Liberation Party reflects its mission to free Kenyans from oppression, especially targeting younger voters unfamiliar with the old brand.

She launched a blistering attack on Ruto’s government, describing it as bloodthirsty and unfit to lead. Karua accused the administration of overseeing killings, abductions, and intimidation of critics. She specifically pointed to the deadly crackdown on Gen Z protests, saying the number of people tortured or killed is alarming.
“We’ve never witnessed such high numbers of people killed while exercising their rights as we saw during the Gen Z demonstrations,” she stated.
She claimed that families across the country are still searching for loved ones, and even suggested that some of the nearly 1,000 unclaimed bodies at Nairobi mortuary may be victims of state-sponsored violence.
Karua also took on the government’s financial management, saying the country is facing an economic collapse. She accused the Ruto administration of reckless borrowing, rising taxes, and poor budget planning with nothing to show for it.
If elected, Karua promised to reform government structures, invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, and ensure every tax shilling is used transparently.
She called for political unity in Mt Kenya, noting that she is working closely with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to rally the region. However, she dismissed fears of tribal politics, saying it’s about communities having a voice and making informed choices.
“We’re working together despite having different political parties, focusing on bringing people together,” she said, adding that healthy competition between their parties is welcome ahead of possible collaboration.