Martha Karua vs Peter Salasya
They differ most on political style. They sit close on land, wealth and taxes, institutions and power-sharing, civil liberties.
Dimension by dimension
| Karua | Salasya | |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the state in the economy | Mixed SWhyThe same plan pairs a spending freeze and 60% cuts to discretionary spending with Sh285 billion for fertiliser subsidies, irrigation and grain reserves. It points both ways. (low confidence) | No record |
| Land, wealth and taxes | Leans strong redistribution SWhyHer June 2026 PLP alternative budget rejects taxes on mobile money, internet services and digital platforms and would cap Social Health Authority contributions at Sh500 per family. She never ran economic policy, so no record contradicts it. (medium confidence) | Leans strong redistributionWhyVoted no on the Finance Bill 2024 at second reading in June 2024. (low confidence) |
| Social values | Mixed SWhyA long-standing advocate for women in leadership and Kenya's first woman major-party running mate (2022). In 2023 she joined Azimio leaders who condemned the Supreme Court's LGBTQ registration ruling; no direct quote from her was found. Mixed. (low confidence) | No record |
| Institutions and power-sharing | Leans checks and devolutionWhyResigned as Justice Minister in April 2009, citing judicial appointments made without her. During the 2007 to 2008 crisis she was a leading defender of the disputed PNU result (attributed). Mixed, but leans towards checks. (medium confidence) | Leans checks and devolution SWhyDefended the constituency and women's funds (CDF and NGAAF), saying cutting them would 'reduce them to beggars'. Speaking for money that is spent locally, in his own interest as an MP too. (low confidence) |
| Political style | Leans anti-establishmentWhyLeft government and now leads a small opposition party. (low confidence) | Anti-establishment SWhyOutspoken, populist positioning against the political class (low volume of policy evidence). (low confidence) |
| Civil liberties | Leans liberty-firstWhyHas acted as defence lawyer for opposition figures in the region, including Kizza Besigye in Uganda. Tanzania deported her in May 2025 when she arrived to represent Tundu Lissu. (medium confidence) | Leans liberty-first HWhyAn arrest drew condemnation from Senator Omtatah (charge and outcome not verified). Hearsay: counted at the lightest weight. (low confidence) |
Placed mainly from what each did; S marks stated positions and H hearsay, which count less. Method.
On the issues voters rank highest
Cost of living
Karua: S No taxes on mobile money, internet services or digital platforms, and cut discretionary spending by over 60% (PLP alternative budget, June 2026).
Salasya: D Voted no on the Finance Bill 2024 at second reading.
Healthcare
Karua: S Would scrap SHA and the Housing Levy if elected (2026). Her alternative budget caps health contributions at Sh500 per family, the old NHIF rate, instead of 2.75% of pay.
Salasya: S Said in February 2025 he was drafting a bill to scrap SHA and restore NHIF, and a motion to reverse the university funding model.
Who they are
Martha Karua: Justice Minister 2005 to 2009 (and earlier Water Minister). Former Gichugu MP. Leader of PLP. On what she did in and after office: a constitutionalist with a rights-first bent. Her economic positions come from her 2026 alternative budget, which counts as a stated position and weighs less than her record.
Peter Salasya: Mumias East MP since 2022. 2027 presidential aspirant. Mostly words so far: a populist, anti-establishment voice who voted against the 2024 Finance Bill and defends constituency funds. Little legislative record, so his placements are light.
Biographies: Martha Karua · Peter Salasya