“Presidency Is Not Personal Property”: Martha Karua Slams Ruto Over Accountability & 2027 Assumption

Leader of the People’s Liberation Party Martha Karua has sharply criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of treating the presidency as a personal entitlement rather than a constitutional office subject to public scrutiny.

In a strongly worded statement, Karua argued that the current administration has shown a troubling disregard for accountability, warning that such an approach undermines democratic principles.

She contended that leadership must remain answerable to the people, emphasizing that the presidency is a public trust—not private property.

Martha Karua further took issue with what she described as an emerging narrative within government circles that assumes a second term for President Ruto is inevitable.

According to her, such assumptions reflect political arrogance and risk alienating citizens who expect leaders to earn their mandate through performance and transparency.

Her remarks come at a time when political debate in Kenya is intensifying ahead of future electoral cycles.

Questions of governance, economic management, and institutional accountability have increasingly taken center stage, with opposition figures stepping up criticism of the administration’s style and priorities.

The former Justice Minister warned that normalizing unchecked power could weaken oversight institutions and embolden impunity.

She called on state agencies, Parliament, and independent bodies to assert their roles more firmly in ensuring that the executive remains within constitutional limits.

Supporters of President Ruto, however, have defended his leadership, arguing that his administration has been focused on delivering key development projects and economic reforms.

They maintain that criticism from opposition figures is politically motivated and aimed at shaping public perception ahead of elections.

Nonetheless, Karua’s statement resonates with broader concerns about governance and leadership culture.

Analysts note that public perception of accountability often plays a decisive role in shaping political outcomes, particularly in a dynamic and competitive environment like Kenya’s.

By framing the presidency as a responsibility rather than a possession, Karua has sought to reassert the foundational ideals of democratic leadership.