Karua promises to serve for five years and go home
By David Nthua, February 15, 2026People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua has promised to serve for five years only if Kenyans elect her as Kenya’s president in next year’s poll.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local TV station on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Karua said leadership positions are not a lifetime subscription.
Martha Karua on one term
In a calm but firm tone, she explained that if given the opportunity to serve at the highest office, she would only seek a single term.
“If Kenyans give me a chance to serve at the highest level, I would only do a five-year term so that Ruto must know when we in the opposition are telling him one term, one term is not a curse, you got five years, rejoice, show your best in the five years,” she said.
Karua noted that completing one term should not be viewed negatively, but rather as a chance to focus on delivering results.
Martha Karua on leadership
“I am not yet there, give me the chance, I will be one term, but in that one term, I will lay the foundation, returning the country firmly on the rule of law path, fighting corruption, strengthening our institutions of governance, and leading the way in serving Kenyans, not going there for self-aggrandizement,” she added.
Her remarks have sparked conversations among Kenyans online, with many reacting to the idea of a leader voluntarily limiting their stay in office.
Karua said her focus would not be on holding onto power but on setting up systems that can stand the test of time.
According to her, leadership should be about service and impact rather than personal gain.
She emphasised that five years, if well utilised, are enough to set a strong foundation for governance and accountability.
The discussion around term limits and leadership style continues to draw interest, especially as the country looks ahead to future elections.
For Karua, the message was simple. Leadership is about making a difference within the time given and then stepping aside with dignity.