Atwoli drops plan to sue Karua over purple colour

Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has dropped plans to sue People’s Liberation Party (PLP) over its use of purple colour.

COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli said they dropped the plans, as going to court would build the profile of the party and its leader, Martha Karua.

“We have a letter of patent related to the colour but after weighing the matter, we realised that if we sue the party, we will be building Martha Karua,” he explained.

“We will make her appear as if she can create impact on Kenyan masses as far as Kenyan politics is concerned.”

Addressing the media at his office, Atwoli added that COTU is bigger than political parties.

“COTU is bigger than all political parties in this country. COTU is represented locally and internationally, so we cannot cut ourselves to a size no one can understand,” he explained.

The Narc Kenya Party changed its colour when it rebranded to PLP as part of the preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The new party colors are purple, lilac, and white, moving away from Narc Kenya’s red, white, and green.

The party’s symbol has also been changed from a red rose to a purple rose.

Karua has sought to explain the change of colours in the rebranding.

“We have retained its flower symbol and the motto as revealed in the past. Purple is a rallying call for unity amid political divisions. It is what we are seeing in the country. We welcome all to come and join this home. We are beefing up this story and more details,” Karua said when the new party was unveiled on February 27, 2025.

She said the party is undergoing a transformation to reflect its renewed commitment to unite and liberate all Kenyans.

“The People’s Liberation Party is a movement for all Kenyans who believe in justice, equality, and true democratic governance. Our rebrand is not just about a new name but about revitalising the struggle for a better Kenya—one that upholds the rule of law, respects the rights of all citizens, and delivers real change; because change cannot wait,” she stated.