Martha Karua, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) 2027 Presidential Aspirant and Party Leader, on Friday, May 15 warned that rising taxes, fuel prices, and the increasing cost of basic household essentials are placing growing pressure on ordinary Kenyan families as the government prepares for another high-spending budget cycle.
Speaking at Monak Grounds in Mosocho, Kisii County, during the funeral service of Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, mother of Senator Richard Onyonka, Karua said the current economic direction continues to leave wananchi struggling with the rising cost of living while receiving inadequate public services.
“Seeing the jump in prices of basic household essentials was a stark reminder of the burden Kenyan households are carrying every single day. And now, with fuel prices rising again, many families are left wondering what will happen next.”
Karua said Kenya needs leadership grounded in prudent spending, fair taxation, accountability, and public service. She added that public resources must be managed responsibly to restore public trust and ensure wananchi receive value for the taxes they pay.
“This administration cannot continue punishing wananchi with higher taxes while government spending grows without fiscal discipline or accountability to wenye nchi on expenditure. Across Kenya, even here in Kisii, Families are tightening their belts every day, yet those in power continue to spend public money on luxury, excess, and political comfort. Leadership must serve the people, protect public resources, and ensure every shilling collected from Kenyans works for the taxpayer, not for the political elite.”
Karua, who stood as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the last tightly contested election, continues to be a central voice in the opposition’s push for change. The former Justice Minister, who has been at the forefront of advocating for democracy in Kenya and the East Africa region, insists that the mission to “deliver Kenya” remains unfinished, warning that leadership has drifted away from the people, the Wenye Nchi.
“Bila kuungana hatutaweza kujikomboa. Kwa hivyo tuko wengi, tunatamani viti, mimi mwenyewe natamani kiti ya urais, Omong’ina (wanawake) hawajakalia hiyo kiti, na mimi ndio nasimama kuiuliza. Lakini najua pia ndugu zangu Kalonzo, Matiang’i na wengine wengi hapa wanatamani. Sisi sote tutajipendekeza kwenu, lakini mwishowe mmoja kati yetu ndio atapeperusha bendera ya upinzani.”
Kwaheri Mama Richard Onyonka, Teresia Nyaboke Omoke
Karua had joined family members, friends, fellow leaders, opposition figures, and party members in mourning and celebrating the life of Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, who passed away in late April at the age of 81 while receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital. During her tribute, Karua honoured Mama Teresia as a woman whose values, dedication, and spirit of service were reflected in the lives of her children and community.
“Kwetu tunasema, unajengewa nyumba na ile miti wewe mwenyewe umekata. At home, we say that the house built for you comes from the trees you yourself cut. We have already known Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka through her children… so we have evidence she did a good job of nurturing. And she did the work not just for her home alone, but also the work of the public.
From the tributes shared today, it was clear that Mama Theresa was a woman of strength, and grace, a mother and pillar whose presence shaped not only her family, but everyone around her. Senator Onyonka and the entire family were truly blessed to have her.”
Concluding her remarks,Martha Karua called on Kenyans to register as voters, participate in the democratic process, and elect leaders based on service delivery and accountability, from MCA to State House, to ensure wananchi have a country that works for them. She was accompanied by local People’s Liberation Party leadership including Josephine Marionga, Chairperson; Jane Machoka, Treasurer; and Cyrus Oyugi, Coordinator.
