THARAKA NITHI, Kenya — PLP Leader Martha Karua has launched a fresh attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of failing to deliver meaningful healthcare, infrastructure, and public services despite repeated promises and large budget allocations.
Speaking during her tour of Tharaka Nithi County and Embu County on Friday, Karua urged Kenyans to reject what she described as empty political promises ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Justice Minister, who is seeking the presidency under the People’s Liberation Party banner, framed her message around the slogan “Ondoa Wakulaji, Weka Wafanyikazi.”
Addressing residents in Chiakariga, Karua criticised the state of roads and public healthcare facilities, arguing that government announcements and launch ceremonies had failed to translate into tangible development.
“Level 5 hospitals are only so by name,” Karua said.
“No resources and supplies yet SHA deductions, which are meant to fund them, are always on time every month. Ni haki kweli?”
She accused the government of presiding over what she described as the collapse of healthcare services under the Social Health Authority system.
According to Karua, ordinary Kenyans continue to struggle to access medicine, emergency care and adequately staffed public hospitals despite regular deductions made under the health scheme.
“A mother in labour should not have to pray the road is passable before she reaches help and a family should not have to choose between buying medicine and eating,” she said.
The PLP Leader cited findings from the 2026 Economic Survey published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, claiming the Social Health Authority is spending nearly twice what it collects while failing to deliver services effectively.
She contrasted the current system with the former National Health Insurance Fund, arguing that fiscal discipline in the health sector had weakened significantly.
The opposition leader also took issue with ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the proposed 7B Nithi Bridge project referenced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a recent development tour.
Karua dismissed repeated government pledges on infrastructure as political theatrics aimed at winning public support ahead of the next election cycle.
“Wenye nchi, do not eat launch ceremonies,” she said.
“They deserve roads that are safe, hospitals that heal. Year after year, promises are made and billions announced yet roads remain half-done, hospitals underfunded and farmers unsupported.”
She argued that leadership should be measured by actual delivery of services rather than public relations campaigns and groundbreaking events.
Karua further called on Kenyans to support leaders focused on service delivery and accountability, saying the country’s future depends on prioritising ordinary citizens over political interests.
“Kenya Kwanza has perfected the art of the grand launch, but no service delivery,” she said.
The former Azimio running mate also reaffirmed her willingness to work with other opposition figures as she continues nationwide consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Her Eastern Kenya tour follows previous engagements in Nyeri County and Kirinyaga County as she seeks to build political momentum and expand her support base.
Karua said her presidential bid is aimed at reforming state institutions within a single term and preparing a foundation for future leadership.
She was accompanied during the tour by several opposition leaders and elected officials from the Mt Kenya and Eastern regions.
