Martha Karua Urges Kenyans to Go Beyond Slogans Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Melwin Kiprop

The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) party leader, Martha Karua, has urged Kenyans to move beyond political slogans and instead get involved in shaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The PLP presidential candidate was speaking during her five-day tour of the United Kingdom. Addressing Kenyans in London, Nottingham, Northampton, and Oxford, Karua urged Kenyans to move beyond simply chanting political slogans like ‘Wantam’ and instead get involved in shaping the country’s political landscape.

“Chanting Wantam is only a notice of intention. It is not enough to bring change. We must go further by putting in the work, starting with influencing those around us,” Karua said.

The PLP presidential candidate dismissed claims by opponents that Kenyans in the diaspora do not have an impact on the country’s politics due to their relatively fewer numbers. However, she said their power lies in their capacity to influence their families and friends back in the country. Karua said Kenyans in the diaspora have a huge role to play in shaping public opinion and influencing the country’s politics.

However, in her engagements, including a keynote address at the University of Oxford, Karua has continued to emphasize that Kenyans abroad are equal stakeholders in the governance of the country and that they need to actively participate in the ongoing conversation in the nation.

She also explained that the issues facing the government in Kenya have a direct consequence for Kenyans abroad. She explained that in instances where the government fails, the Kenyan community abroad is forced to cushion their families financially, thus becoming a safety net for them.

"When things go wrong in Kenya, those in the diaspora feel it immediately because they become the safety net for their loved ones. But when things improve, that burden is reduced."

However, as she seeks to position herself for the 2027 presidential election, Karua has continued to insist that every Kenyan’s voice is vital in the journey towards a more accountable nation.