NAIROBI, Kenya – The People’s Liberation Party (PLP), led by veteran politician Martha Karua, has issued a statement following President William Ruto’s public apology at the National Prayer Breakfast, accusing him of failing to match his contrite tone with meaningful action.
In a statement, the PLP said Ruto’s appeal for unity and reconciliation must be followed by real accountability — particularly over recent regional incidents involving Kenyan opposition leaders and the state’s handling of last year’s anti-tax protests.
“We take note of President William Ruto’s apology and reconciliatory tone,” the statement reads, “but remind him that it must be accompanied by tangible action if it is to carry meaning to the Kenyan people.”
Together with members of opposition political parties, we take note of President William Ruto’s apology and reconcilliatory tone during the National Prayer Breakfast and remind him that it must be accompanied by tangible action if it is to carry meaning to the people Kenyan
The PLP pointed specifically to Ruto’s silence over the recent deportation of Martha Karua and activist Boniface Mwangi from Tanzania, calling it a disturbing failure of leadership.
Karua and a delegation of civil society members had travelled to Uganda and later to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition figures, including Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
“Their actions embodied the true spirit and letter of the EAC — a call for unity, democratic accountability, and regional cooperation,” the statement read, condemning the Kenyan government’s muted response. “Nowhere in the world does a head of state fail to defend their citizens when attacked or humiliated by foreign regimes.”
Nowhere in the world does a head of state fail to defend their citizens when attacked or humiliated by foreign regimes. President Ruto’s omission—his failure to acknowledge, let alone condemn, the gross violations committed against Hon. @MarthaKarua and @bonifacemwangi —is an
Karua’s party questioned Ruto’s ability — and willingness — to safeguard civil liberties and national dignity amid what they described as a pattern of authoritarian backsliding.
“If he cannot defend us now, will he defend us when the stakes are higher?” the party asked.
Apology Amid Unhealed Wounds
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park, President Ruto took a markedly different tone from past public appearances, offering a public apology to the youth and calling for national healing.
“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologize,” Ruto said. “We want to build a relationship that will make our country great.”
The apology comes in the shadow of the 2024 anti-tax protests, during which several youth were killed in confrontations with state security forces.
The government has faced sustained criticism for its heavy-handed response to the demonstrations and persistent allegations of corruption within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Ruto urged the nation to “do less of finding fault” and “more of building bridges,” asserting confidence in Kenya’s future. But opposition parties — and many citizens — remain unconvinced.
Regional Tensions Simmer
Ruto’s appeal for unity was further undermined by the diplomatic fallout with Tanzania, sparked by the controversial deportation of Karua and Mwangi earlier this month.
The activists had travelled to observe proceedings involving Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu when they were reportedly detained and escorted out of the country.
The incident ignited a storm on social media and drew sharp rebukes from lawmakers across East Africa.
Accusations flew between Tanzanian and Kenyan legislators, raising fresh questions about the state of regional cooperation within the East African Community.
Karua’s PLP emphasized that the visit to Tanzania was not an act of provocation but a gesture of “pan-African solidarity.”
Let us remind the nation: what took Hon. @MarthaKarua and a delegation of Kenyan citizens to Uganda and later to Tanzania was not provocation, but a show of pan-African solidarity with opposition leaders who are facing treason charges under repressive regimes as has been the
The party now demands not just words, but measurable action from President Ruto — including diplomatic clarity, justice for victims of police brutality, and protection for political activists.
“Reconciliation begins with truth and justice,” the party said. “Kenya cannot rise while sweeping its wounds under the carpet.”
