People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has issued a firm rebuke of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of abandoning democratic principles in response to the ongoing anti-government protests that have erupted in at least 37 counties across Kenya.
Why Is Karua Calling for Ruto to Resign?
Appearing on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Karua said that a government in a true democracy should be guided by the will of the people, not maintained through force. “Whether you have been elected overwhelmingly or marginally, when the people loudly express, in developed democracies, a government would not resort to killing, it would resign and pave the way,” she said.
She warned that silencing citizens through violence shows total disregard for both the Constitution and human life. “We are seeing a ruling elite that has no respect for the people or the Constitution. By not respecting people’s voices and resorting to murder to sustain yourself in power as a ruling elite is total contempt not only for human life but also for the voices of the people,” Karua added.
What Message Are the Protests Sending?
According to Karua, the widespread protests reflect a nationwide rejection of the Kenya Kwanza government. “I may think I’m the best, but if people think otherwise, I must give way to what the people think. I am not the one who has sacked William Ruto; it is the people of Kenya who, through coming out in 37 counties, collectively told him: you and your regime, your share of life has expired.”
Karua emphasized that leadership is not about holding on to power at all costs. “The decision of who can provide better leadership is not a personal thing. Those who seek leadership must humble themselves to the decision of the people.”
What Past Examples Did Karua Refer To?
Karua pointed to former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who resigned after his party recalled him. “We saw Thabo Mbeki leave South Africa. Even for those of us who were looking, we felt he had done such a great job, but he respected the wishes of the people,” she said.
She also shared her own experience stepping down as a Cabinet minister during the Grand Coalition Government. “Even if you feel that perhaps you have been misunderstood, you still must give way, and that is the standard I hold myself to. I resigned voluntarily as a Cabinet minister, losing almost half of my salary, privilege and power, but saying: because I am not comfortable with what is going on within government, I removed myself and returned to the back benches of Parliament.”
By Lucky Anyanje