Former Justice Minister Martha Karua is set to unveil the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) on February 28 as part of her broader political strategy for the 2027 elections. The PLP is a rebranded version of the former Narc Kenya party, marking a strategic shift in her political approach.
The launch event is expected to draw several key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Other prominent attendees include Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, alongside various political leaders and influential women figures. Wamalwa has confirmed his attendance and hinted at a significant political declaration during the event.
Speaking after a meeting with Kalonzo and Gachagua at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday, Wamalwa emphasized that discussions regarding their 2027 political plans are ongoing.
We were just having a cup of tea as we prepare for the future. We will make a major statement next Thursday during the official launch of Karua’s new party.
Karua, Gachagua, Kalonzo, and Wamalwa are reportedly working towards forming a political alliance aimed at challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. They have held multiple strategic meetings, with Gachagua and Karua publicly meeting at least twice as they seek to consolidate support within the Mt. Kenya region. Their most recent meeting took place on Tuesday, following an earlier engagement in January at Karua’s Gichugu home in Kirinyaga County.
The anticipated presence of high-profile opposition leaders at Karua’s party launch is expected to signal a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Narc Kenya, formerly part of the Azimio coalition alongside Kalonzo and Wamalwa, has now undergone a significant transformation. Following her exit from Azimio, Karua successfully rebranded the party and received an official name-change certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties.
A New Identity: People’s Liberation Party (PLP)
As part of its transformation, PLP has introduced a new party symbol, official colors, and slogan. The previous luminous red and white colors have been replaced with lilac, white, and purple, while the party symbol has changed from a rose flower to a purple rose. The former slogan, “One Kenya, One Nation, One People”, has been replaced with “Unite” and “Liberate.”
Karua has emphasized that this transformation reflects a generational shift in leadership and aligns with the aspirations of Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z voters, who are expected to play a crucial role in the 2027 elections.
Last month, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu officially presented the name-change certificate to Karua at the ORPP’s Lion Place offices, commending the party for adhering to legal procedures in accordance with Section 20 of the Political Parties Act, 2011.
I urge the party to promote nationalism and uphold the realization of political rights.
The rebranding of PLP is one of four key strategic changes aimed at broadening the party’s appeal ahead of the upcoming elections.
PLP’s Vision: Structural Reforms and Youth Engagement
Over the past year, Kenya’s youth movement has actively resisted the Kenya Kwanza administration, a demographic that Karua seeks to mobilize under the PLP umbrella. Additionally, the party has announced plans to sponsor radical constitutional amendments, including the introduction of term limits for top party leadership.
The party delegates have authorized us to amend our constitution. We want to be the first party in Kenya to have term limits for our top leadership.
With these significant changes, PLP aims to establish itself as a progressive force in Kenya’s political landscape, offering a new vision for governance and leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
