The People’s Liberation Party leader, Martha Karua, has called on President William Ruto’s administration to put an end to extrajudicial killings and abductions in the country, saying that doing so would be the truest way to honour the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a live interview on a local television station on Thursday night, Karua expressed concern over Kenya’s human rights record, urging the government to take immediate action to restore public trust in law enforcement.
“The government of President William Ruto must end these extrajudicial killings to truly honour Raila Odinga,” Karua said. “What happened in Kasarani, where lives were reportedly lost, was unfortunate and unlawful.”
Her comments came amid reports that at least three people died after police allegedly used excessive force to disperse crowds at Kasarani Stadium, where thousands had gathered to commemorate the life of the former Prime Minister. Eyewitnesses claimed that officers fired tear gas and live bullets into the air, causing panic and chaos among mourners.
Defending Raila Odinga’s Legacy
Karua, who served as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 general election under the Azimio la Umoja coalition, described the late opposition leader as a man deeply committed to justice, democracy, and dialogue.
“Even though we sometimes stood on different sides politically, Raila and I shared a mutual respect for the rule of law and the rights of citizens,” she recalled. “He would never have condoned police brutality or the killing of innocent Kenyans.”
Karua noted that her partnership with Raila during the 2022 election was built on shared values of progressive leadership, inclusivity, and accountability — principles that she believes should continue guiding Kenya’s political future.
“Working with Raila Odinga was easy because we shared similar ideologies on how to advance the welfare of ordinary Kenyans,” she added.
A Call for Political Reform
The veteran politician emphasized the need for comprehensive political and institutional reform, urging the Ruto administration to embrace the democratic ideals that Raila Odinga championed throughout his career.
“Kenyan politics must evolve to reflect the values that Raila stood for — democracy, equality, and respect for human rights,” she said. “There is still room for change, and I remain committed to leadership grounded in justice and humanity.”
Karua, who has often hinted at her ambition to become Kenya’s first female president, reiterated her commitment to push for a political environment where every Kenyan can live free from fear, intimidation, or state oppression.
As the nation continues to mourn the passing of Raila Odinga, Karua’s heartfelt appeal has resonated with many Kenyans who believe that the greatest tribute to his legacy would be a just and peaceful country — one where no life is lost to violence or abuse of power.
