‘Ruto’s DNA Is Lies and More Lies,’ Karua Slams Broad-Based Govt as of No Use to Kenyans

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, describing the broad-based government arrangement with ODM leader Raila Odinga as “a union of interests” that has failed to deliver any benefits to Kenyans.

In a wide-ranging interview, Karua did not mince words about her disdain for President Ruto, stating she would not even wish to meet him.

“His DNA is lies and more lies. So, I will be wasting time. His DNA is to violate human rights. It is corruption schemes,” Karua asserted.

“The country has never gone through what it’s going through now.”

The former Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition running mate claimed that despite several months of the broad-based government’s existence, there has been no positive output or change in behavior from government agencies.

“Even when Raila talked against abductions, government agencies like police, NIS (National Intelligence Service) have still come to tell the court ‘we don’t know’, yet we know for sure it’s them,” she said.

Karua further alleged unauthorized withdrawals from the Treasury under the watch of John Mbadi, one of Odinga’s allies who received a government position in the broad-based arrangement.

“So what’s the use? That’s why there are those who feel that being in the broad-based government is for their own gain,” she remarked.

According to Karua, the government cannot truly be considered “broad-based” as its inclusivity only extends to ODM and sections of Jubilee.

“Though they claim it’s not Jubilee, those are people who were aligned with the party previously, except (ICT Cabinet Secretary William) Kabogo. So, it’s for their own good; not that of Kenyans,” she said.

The PLP leader also suggested that Odinga is conflicted on positions he should take on various national issues.

“He’s actually finding himself talking against the same government he’s working with,” Karua observed.

“So, you can see his heart is in the right place but sometimes his actions… I don’t know what confuses the other.”

Karua unveiled her PLP party two months ago, marking the end of the Narc-Kenya party she had led previously.

She expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, saying, “It has been good and the going is very promising. The members are happy, we are happy.”

The veteran politician also addressed her political future, reiterating her determination not to serve as anyone’s running mate again after partnering with Odinga in the 2022 elections.

“I’m running to finish successfully,” she declared. “I’m done with that one (being a running mate), and I played it to my best.”

Her comments came shortly after a photo circulated of a meeting she had with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and several former cabinet ministers including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, and Mukhisa Kituyi.

While speculation about a potential coalition has emerged, Karua did not provide details about the meeting, with her handlers describing it as a private affair.

Reflecting on her experience as Odinga’s running mate in 2022, Karua said they were well-aligned on policy, but her late entry into the Azimio ticket worked to their disadvantage.

“One of things I learnt is that entering late has its disadvantages. I entered Azimio late. You are not able to blend seamlessly with the organization,” she explained.

As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, Karua’s strong criticism of both President Ruto and the broad-based government arrangement signals her intent to position herself as a formidable opposition figure with presidential ambitions.