People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has renewed her call for gender equality in Kenyan politics, urging citizens to rally behind a woman for the country’s top seat.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, Karua said the time had come for Kenya to have its first female president, insisting that women possess the vision and strength needed to lead the nation effectively.
The former Gichugu MP and 2022 Azimio running mate made the remarks while defending women’s leadership amid mounting criticism of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu following unrest in the neighbouring country.
Karua cautioned Kenyans against generalising the shortcomings of one leader to all women, arguing that leadership should be judged on merit and not gender.
“This time round, the Kenyan cake must also be handed to a woman so that the rights of every individual can be protected,” she said.
She further dismissed claims that women are incapable of handling leadership crises, noting that history’s worst dictators were men.
“I was asked what I think about what is going on in Tanzania, and I replied that Idi Amin was not a woman; Hitler was not a woman. Kenya is not led by a woman, yet people are still being killed,” Karua remarked.
Her statement came as tensions continued to rise in Tanzania following Suluhu’s controversial re-election. The Tanzanian president has been accused of suppressing democracy by barring opposition leaders from participating in the recent polls and allegedly ordering the arrest of key rival Tundu Lissu.
Despite the criticism, Suluhu was declared winner on November 1 after reportedly garnering 98 per cent of the total votes.
Karua, known for her firm advocacy on women’s rights and accountability in governance, urged Kenyans not to link Suluhu’s actions to the broader struggle for women’s representation.
“Do not blame all women because one has made a mistake. Leadership flaws are not gender-based,” she asserted.
Her remarks have reignited conversations on inclusivity and representation ahead of the 2027 General Election, where calls for Kenya’s first female presidency continue to grow stronger.
 leader Martha Karua has renewed her call for gender equality in Kenyan politics, urging citizens to rally behind a woman for the country’s top seat.){kind=link}