By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 3 October 2026 - Opposition leaders said on Saturday that they stand firm in their pursuit to wrest power from President William Ruto through the ballot, as they hailed People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua as an astute and courageous leader keen to fight for democratic rights.
They were speaking at the burial service of her father, the late Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga.
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said Kenya is on the wrong trajectory, claiming that the current Kenyan administration is predatory in nature and that what the fourth President of Kenya tried to preserve is now being sold and privatised.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta did not sell Safaricom, and he did not privatise the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)."
Kalonzo added that Kenyans are tired and that, as opposition leaders, they will remain united to oust President William Ruto in the 10 August 2027 General Election.
"I have in the past been called many names, as a man with no stance and 40 years in leadership with allegedly nothing to show, but let me be clear that we don't want this predatory government," Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo stated that as they mourn Martha Karua's father, they also condole with the families of 17 people who perished at Salama on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway as they were travelling from Mikindani in Mombasa to a shrine in Subukia for a religious function.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua who is currently on the U.S. tour, conveyed his condolence message to Martha Karua but maintained as a sister, she is a strong leader and a key figure in the opposition politics.
"I extend my deepest condolences to you as we celebrate the life of Mwalimu Jackson Karua. Mzee gifted Kenya a great daughter whom history shall remember," Gachagua said in a condolence message read by Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
Gachagua said the journey to liberate the country is going according to plan.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata said Martha Karua's father instilled values to her, the very values that anchor her style of leadership.
"Let us have the vision of our great leaders, Uhuru Kenyatta, who gave us road infrastructure, and the late Mwai Kibaki," Kang'ata said, promising that soon the DCP party will unveil manifesto
Siaya Governor James Aggrey Orengo said he values Martha Karua so much because she is an unwavering leader.
"The rest of Kenya will take a cue from you, the people of the Mt Kenya region. You have played a very key role in democratic aspirations of our nation," Orengo said.
He added: "President Kenyatta tried to give you direction, as the people of the Mt Kenya region, to vote for the now deceased former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, but you overwhelmingly voted for Dr Ruto."
He said that he expects the Mt Kenya region to combine efforts to deny Dr Ruto presidency.
"Five to six million votes is not a joke, and Ruto must be wondering where he can get the votes to compensate. Tukishikana mikono pamoja (If we join hands), Ruto must go," he said.
Orengo claimed that 61 people were killed when the Linda Mwananchi brigade made its way to Homa Bay County.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi said Martha Karua is quite resolute in what she does.
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"Martha Karua is a very courageous leader," Muturi said.
In their push for a Ruto one-term presidency, Muturi said opposition leaders must work hard and speak in one voice.
"To the opposition, let nobody feel that they are too superior or too junior in their push for the democratic fight and journey to liberate our nation," Muturi said.
He urged opposition leaders to hear the advice of their supporters, that they should produce one candidate to battle it out with President Ruto.
He advised Ruto to stop attacking retired President.
"Uhuru handed over power on 13 September 2022 and went into retirement," he said.
Muturi insisted that Kenyans have a right to know the deals in any investment plan.
A total of 7,000 acres has been hived off for the construction of the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery, and Muturi called on President Ruto and investor Aliko Dangote to be transparent so that the rights of Kenyans, and of Lamu residents in particular, are protected.
Uhuru, who the ruling faction leaders have labelled as sponsor of Linda Mwananchi leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, said he is satisfied with what he did when he was in power.
"You Kenyans are the ones who will decide who you want as President," Uhuru said.
He posed a question on whether the people of the Mt Kenya region were ready to "repeat the mistake", to which they replied in unison that they were not ready. He did not explain what the mistake was.
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i took a swipe at leaders in Kenya and urged them to be role models.
"Show me your friends and I will tell you your character," Matiang'i said.
He said that while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary under Uhuru Kenyatta, the government was firm in respecting the rights of all leaders, whether in opposition or in government, and the citizens in the neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Uganda.
"President Kenyatta told me while we were serving that we should not take instructions from our neighbours to torture their opponents and even their citizens who sought refuge in our country," he said.
He added that when Kenya handed over Kizza Besigye to Ugandan authorities, it was wrong because "right now he is being persecuted and it is very inhuman," Matiang'i said.