Karua to voters: Choose livelihoods over cash giveaways

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has urged Kenyans to reject short-term political handouts and instead elect leaders committed to building sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaking on Sunday at Kiamutugu Catholic Church in Kirinyaga County, Karua said leadership should not be reduced to displays of wealth or cash giveaways, but measured by the ability to create an enabling environment for citizens to earn a living.

“Leadership isn’t a competition of money or shows of extravagance. You’d rather have a leader who doesn’t give you handouts, but enables you to find your livelihood,” she said.

Karua pointed to the administration of the late Mwai Kibaki as an example of results-oriented governance, noting that his leadership prioritised public services and economic growth over personal philanthropy.

“I’d like to remind Kenyans that President Mwai Kibaki didn’t summon people for cash handouts. We never saw long lines of people waiting for money,” she said.

Recalling her time serving as Water Minister during Kibaki’s presidency, Karua emphasised that tangible development, rather than political theatrics, defined that era.

“You never heard of Kibaki crisscrossing the country.. but the outcome of his work found you in your homes. Your children went to school, you went to hospital and there were drugs, roads were built, and water was supplied,” she said.

Karua, who concluded her three-day “Purple Train” tour across Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties, challenged voters to demand accountability and long-term planning from leaders, arguing that true leadership is reflected in improved livelihoods.

“That is how you know you chose a worker and a servant of the people. Let us not be led by money,” she added.

During the tour, the PLP leader also raised concerns over challenges facing Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly tea farming, which she described as a critical pillar of the economy under threat.

Karua linked the sector’s struggles to policy and foreign relations missteps, citing a reported Sh7 billion deficit associated with the Sudan market fallout.

“Farmers must not be abandoned. The sweat of the farmer must be treated as sacred, and policies must protect their livelihoods,” she said.

Karua’s visit to the Mt Kenya region forms part of her broader strategy to engage voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, where she has already declared her intention to run for the presidency.

She said the “Purple Train” tour marks the beginning of a series of nationwide engagements aimed at rallying support and fostering dialogue on governance, economic empowerment, and accountability.

“As we move towards 2027, we want to have a conversation with Kenyans about the kind of leadership we deserve-leadership that works for the people, not one that thrives on handouts,” Karua said.