By Fridah Mbuvi, June 12, 2026
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has proposed the introduction of a single non-renewable five-year presidential term, arguing that such a system would strengthen democratic accountability and discourage leaders from clinging to power.
Speaking during a radio interview on Friday, Karua said many leaders across Africa treat electoral victory as though they have acquired ownership of their countries, describing the tendency as a major obstacle to democratic growth.
She argued that a one-term presidency would help “demystify power” and establish a culture in which leadership is viewed as temporary public service rather than a lifelong entitlement.
According to Karua, the current two-term structure encourages leaders to spend much of their first term preparing for re-election instead of concentrating fully on delivering development. A single term, she said, would free presidents from the pressure of political survival and allow them to focus entirely on implementing their agenda.
“No one can finish building a country in five years. The responsibility of every administration is to lay a strong foundation and allow the next team to continue the work,” she said.
Karua also maintained that a president serving only one term would be better placed to tackle corruption without worrying about political consequences or preserving voter bases ahead of another election.
The former Justice Minister, who has already declared her intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election under the PLP ticket, pledged that she would serve only one term if elected.
She said the proposal forms part of the broader “One People, One Purpose, One Term” movement, which she and other reform-minded leaders hope will attract young voters and strengthen institutional accountability.
Karua further reiterated that she has no interest in serving as a running mate in 2027, insisting that she is only interested in the presidency. However, she said she remains open to a consensus process within the opposition aimed at producing a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the next election.
She maintained that leadership should be about service and nation-building, not the pursuit of permanent political power.
