Sunday 08th February, 2026 08:34 AM|
Political analyst Herman Manyora has argued that Kenya would experience rapid transformation if People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua were to become president in 5 years.
Speaking during his daily political analysis on Sunday, February 8, 2025, Manyora claimed that it would take only five years under Karua’s leadership for the country to see significant, measurable change.
“If Martha Karua presides for five years, the country will take off. If we wanted to move this country to another level, we would just give Martha Karua this thing for five years,” Manyora stated
He further noted that if Karua were to clinch power in the 2027 General Election, Kenya could be operating at a completely different level by 2032. According to him, the long-held dream of transforming Kenya into a first-world country comparable to Singapore could become a realistic and achievable goal under her presidency.
“Under Martha Karua’s presidency, the country will take off; there will be no taking of Singapore – it will just be automatic,” he opined.
Karua’s tenure
Manyora added that after Karua’s tenure, particularly if she successfully implemented the reforms the country has long desired, leadership could then transition to figures such as Jubilee deputy party leader and 2027 flag bearer Fred Matiang’i.
He described Matiang’i as equally capable but maintained that Karua is the most suitable leader to set the pace, lay the foundation for reform, and create an environment where other leaders could build on her progress.
He also expressed disappointment over past political opportunities, arguing that Kenya might have reached a higher level of development if the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had been given a chance to serve a single presidential term in 2013 before handing over to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to Manyora, history appears to be repeating itself, as the country remains desperate for transformative leadership similar to what he believes Karua represents.
Karua’s presidential quest
Karua served as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, where their bid was ultimately unsuccessful.
His remarks come at a time when Martha Karua has declared her intention to run for the presidency under the United Opposition banner, which has since been rebranded as the United Alternative Government.
Karua has expressed confidence in her suitability as a presidential candidate among the opposition principals. However, she has also stated that she is willing to shelve her personal ambitions and support any opposition leader deemed to have a stronger chance of winning the presidency.
She has firmly ruled out the possibility of serving as a running mate, emphasising that she would either vie for the presidency or support the opposition from outside the deputy presidential slot.
