Martha Karua, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) 2027 Presidential Aspirant and Party Leader, has urged Kenyans to “Ondoa Wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi” during the PLP’s Tour of Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties.
Speaking to residents at Chiakariga, Karua described the state of infrastructure and health as a betrayal of public trust and a regional emergency. Addressing the alleged persistent failure of infrastructure and the collapse of the healthcare system under the current administration, Karua criticized the government’s reliance on grand ceremonies that mask a lack of tangible results.
“Level 5 hospitals are only so by name! No resources and supplies yet SHA deductions, which are meant to fund them, are always on time every month. Ni haki kweli? A mother in labour should not have to pray the road is passable before she reaches help and a family should not have to choose between buying medicine and eating. Every Kenyan who walks into a public hospital should find medicine on the shelves, emergency care that responds, and staff that is paid and well equipped to help. SHA should work for the patient. That is what a Karua government will deliver.”
She pointed to the Economic Survey 2026 from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics as evidence of a deepening crisis, noting that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is spending nearly twice what it collects, while failing at delivery. Karua contrasted the former NHIF’s 83.2 percent payout ratio with the new fund’s staggering 158.6 percent utilization rate, warning that fiscal discipline has collapsed.
Karua, who has declared her intention to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election, cautioned residents against believing government narratives as they seek reelection. Her remarks followed Deputy President Kindiki’s April 1 pledge of “tangible development” through the KSh7 billion Nithi Bridge, with 200 million shillings said to be needed for land compensation. Karua dismissed these delays as excuses and addressed the issue directly, stating:
“Wenye nchi do not eat launch ceremonies. They deserve roads that are safe, hospitals that heal. Year after year, promises are made and billions announced yet roads remain half‑done, hospitals underfunded, and farmers unsupported. If this government cannot finish the basics, how can the people trust them with the 7B Nithi Bridge? Leadership is not convoys and groundbreakings; it is delivering results.”
‘Ondoa wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi’
Calling on Kenyans to unite for change, Karua emphasized the need for a government focused on service delivery, urging citizens to vote in leaders who can deliver meaningful transformation.
“Kenya Kwanza has perfected the art of the grand launch, but no service delivery. Billions are announced for projects, as they give excuses for delays. If Ruto’s government cannot deliver the basics, they have no business managing the national budget or the future of our families. A country is built by the sweat of wenye nchi, and they deserve to enjoy its benefits, not see them stolen by the corrupt. In 2027, ondoa wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi.”
Karua affirmed her commitment to work with other members of the Opposition even as she continues PLP’s tours across the country. This visit is the second in her Kenya‑wide consultations with wenye nchi, following earlier engagements in Nyeri and Kirinyaga.
She reiterated that her 2027 presidential bid is aimed at setting the country’s systems straight within one term, paving the way for young leaders to take the mantle, and expressed readiness to partner with anyone genuinely working for the people of Kenya. The Tour continues Sunday, May 10th, through Embu County, covering NICA Mwamba (Imara Gakwegori), Manyatta, Kanyuambora, Karurumo, and Embu Town.
She was accompanied by party members including: John Gitonga (Senator, Tharaka Nithi), Benjamin Kaburu (MP Maara, Constituency Tharaka Nithi County), Robin Karani (MP, Chuka), Frank Murimi (MCA, Chiakariga Ward, Tharaka Nithi), Nkirote Regina (Women Rep, Meru), Karen Mwangi (Women Rep, Nyeri), Phillip Migwi (Governor, Kirinyaga), Peter Ndambiri (Governor, Kirinyaga), Joseph Nyaga Njeru (MCA Evurore Ward, Meru County), Kamau Destiney (MP, Nakuru Bahati), and Reuben Kamau (MP, Nakuru East).
