People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly rejected Raila Odinga’s call for a national ‘conclave’ aimed at resolving public discontent, branding it a political smokescreen for President William Ruto’s continued repression.
Speaking during an interview with NTV on Wednesday, Karua, a former justice minister and Odinga’s 2022 presidential running mate, said any dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration would be futile, warning that it merely serves to pacify the public while failing to address the root causes of national unrest.
“Dialogue with the rogue Kenya Kwanza administration is not an option,” Karua declared. “They are lying to Kenyans while brutalising them. The so-called national conclave is just NADCO all over again, a decoy that produced nothing but seats for the elite.”
Odinga, once a fierce critic of the government, has since allied with Ruto, alienating several opposition figures including Karua. His latest proposal, a broad-based, intergenerational forum, emerged after the July 7 “Saba Saba” protests that left at least 38 people dead. He described the conclave as a vehicle to craft “irreducible reforms” and potentially lead to a national referendum.
But Karua remains unconvinced, insisting the government lacks the integrity to engage in meaningful talks. “William Ruto does not approach the issues with honesty. It’s lies, lies, and more lies,” she said. “What we need today is adherence to the law, not more empty negotiations.”
She also questioned the government’s handling of the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody after allegedly insulting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. “There’s been no accountability, no transparency. This is the impunity we must fight,” she said.
Karua disclosed she had privately appealed to Odinga after the Saba Saba protests to withdraw his support for the administration. “I told him I wasn’t looking for a debate, just a moment of conscience. How does his heart sit with this continuous bloodletting?”
Odinga reportedly responded that the conclave had been misunderstood, but Karua said she declined his suggestion for a face-to-face meeting, stating she was not willing to participate in what she sees as a strategy to subdue public outrage.
“What talk do you entertain with someone whose boot is on the throat of Kenyans?” she asked. “All I was appealing to Raila is this: withdraw your support. Stop the bloodletting. Kenyans will sort themselves out.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
