People’s Liberation Party [PLP] leader Martha delivered a scathing critique of President William Ruto during the Ngemi Cia Ruraya cultural event held at Saghalie Middle School in Seattle in USA on July 12 2025.
The event, which drew a large crowd predominantly from the Kikuyu diaspora community, was transformed into a charged political forum as Karua accused the government of presiding over a country marked by unnecessary deaths and poor leadership.
“How many more must die so that Ruto finishes one term? No more must die. Ruto must go,” Karua declared, triggering thunderous applause and chants of “Ruto must go” from the audience.
The Ngemi Cia Ruraya gathering, initially framed as a cultural celebration aimed at fostering unity among Kenyans abroad, took on deeper political significance with the attendance of high-profile leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The presence of Gachagua, a central figure in Kenya’s opposition alongside Karua, another prominent opposition voice, highlighted the growing tension within the Kenyan political landscape, even beyond national borders.
Karua emphasized the need for urgent national reforms, lamenting the current state of governance in Kenya.
“We need unity, and we need to correct the direction we are heading in. Kenya cannot stay the way it is—it needs better managers,” she said.
The event also featured a performance by popular Mugithi artist Samidoh, adding a cultural layer to what became a highly politicized diaspora forum.
“Change begins with you. If we desire a better Kenya, we have to seek transformation,” Karua told the crowd, framing the diaspora as a vital part of Kenya’s future and urging them to remain engaged in shaping the country’s political direction.
Karua’s strong words served as a rallying cry for opposition supporters and may mark an escalation in the push for accountability amid growing public frustration over alleged extrajudicial killings and state failures.
As tensions continue to rise, the Ngemi Cia Ruraya event has underscored how deeply the diaspora remains connected to Kenya’s unfolding political drama and how cultural gatherings are becoming key battlegrounds for the country’s competing political narratives.
