Martha Karua Criticizes Ruto’s Government for Repressing Dissent and Exploiting the Economy
She questioned the allocation of over Ksh2 billion for undisclosed State House expenses, describing such spending as unjustified.
Martha Karua criticizes President Ruto's government for repressing critics, violating democratic principles, and exploiting the economy for the benefit of a few. Photo/Central News TV.
By Juliet Jerotich
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of repressing critics, violating democratic principles, and exploiting the economy to benefit a few at the expense of ordinary citizens.
In an interview on K24 TV on June 4, 2025, Karua expressed deep concern over what she described as arbitrary arrests and intimidation of those who dare to speak out against the administration.
Karua accused the government of pretending to uphold democracy while systematically punishing dissenting voices. “Don’t expect anything positive from an executive that lies openly, issues insincere apologies, and yet continues to detain and silence anyone who disagrees with them or refuses to sing along,” she said.
She warned that the government’s blatant disregard for public protests, especially those opposing its economic and governance policies, amounts to a retreat from the core values enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.
The opposition leader called on Kenyans to unite and raise their voices against what she termed a “self-serving and extractive regime” that continues to drain the nation’s resources and burden the people.
“Your voice matters. My voice matters. Together, we can stop this regime that is squeezing the last drop of blood and coin from citizens whose backs are already broken,” Karua urged, encouraging a mass civic awakening to confront the government’s excesses.
Karua also took a strong stance against the proposed 2025/26 national budget. She criticized it for favoring the interests of the elite instead of addressing the constitutional rights of everyday Kenyans, particularly in areas such as health and education guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution.
She questioned the allocation of over Ksh2 billion for undisclosed State House expenses, describing such spending as unjustified.
Further, Karua warned that the planned increase in fuel excise duty would negatively impact the economy by raising transport costs, which would have a ripple effect across all sectors.
“This budget will hurt ordinary citizens. It is not a budget for Mwananchi,” she said firmly, urging the public to be aware of the economic pressures they face under the current government.
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