Former Gichugu MP Martha Karua has taken a break from politics following her defeat in the recently concluded presidential elections, where she finished sixth.
She, however, declined to state when or if she would make a comeback and the activities she would be engaged in during her break.
“For now, I am taking a back seat and resting. I am beginning to like it,” Karua said at a luncheon at Narc- Kenya secretariat in Nairobi on Sunday.
She said Kenyans should learn to give each other space and allow others to concentrate on their matters.
“When you ask me what next, I will ask you what next for you as well. Don’t worry about me, worry about yourself. Ask yourself, will the ugali on your table get bigger,” she added.
She reiterated that she has embarked on “minding her own business” after putting down “some baggage”.
Party members
“I am intact and ready to march forward. I am now looking for the next highest mountain to climb,” she added, while noting that she spent a paltry Sh50 million on her campaigns. Present at the luncheon were volunteers who worked at the secretariat, staff and party members.
The figures from all the 290 constituencies plus the Diaspora put Karua’s votes at 43,881, just ahead of Restore and Build Kenya’s James ole Kiyiapi’s (40,998) and Paul Muite of Safina (12,580) votes.
Ms Karua said she respected the outcome and would work with Uhuru Kenyatta, the winner of the presidential election.
Her concession was posted on her Facebook page where she also revealed that the candidates for the top seat had pledged to abide by the results. On Sunday, Karua said she is not looking for a job and would not accept any offer. “I am not looking for a job because my hands are already full,” she stated.
During the meeting, Karua offered words of encouragement to her team and told members that they may be down but not out. She said her team, though lean, did a splendid job and was “super-efficient” because her messages got to the people even before she reached out to them.
“We should continue to advocate for what we believe in. What we have been telling people will not end with the elections,” she explained.
She thanked all those who supported her and said it was time for her to reflect on her life. “I believe the greatest asset you have is yourself. I am intact and will climb the highest mountain,” she added.
Apologies
Karua said the new leadership should live up to its promise of addressing corruption and impunity or else Kenyans will continue to suffer.
Karua noted she campaigned in all counties except Marsabit, where she was unable to go due to time constraints. “I apologise to the people of Marsabit, but I have been there before,” she added.
She said Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who also contested for the presidency, is entitled to challenge the outcome of the elections in court. “We should congratulate him for using the right means to air his grievances. The move by Raila will call for an audit of the electoral process. He is doing you and me a favour and the winner too,” she stated.
She said Kenyans should not call Raila names and push him to abandon his resolve.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission results showed Uhuru had attained the required votes to beat a second round of voting. -Standard Digital
