Politician Martha Karua is set to unveil her new People’s Liberation Party (PLP) on February 28.
The former Justice Minister has rebranded the Narc Kenya party to PLP as part of her 2027 political strategy.
The PLP launch is expected to be attended by key opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Other prominent figures expected at the event include Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, alongside a host of politicians and women leaders.
Wamalwa confirmed his attendance and hinted at a major declaration during the launch.
Speaking after a meeting with Kalonzo and Gachagua at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday, he said discussions about 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,” Wamalwa said.
Karua, Gachagua, Kalonzo, and Eugene are working to build a political alliance to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
They have been holding separate meetings, with Gachagua having met Karua at least twice publicly as they consolidate support in the Mt. Kenya region.
Their most recent meeting took place on Tuesday, following a previous one in January at Karua’s Gichugu home in Kirinyaga County.
The presence of opposition heavyweights at Karua’s party launch is expected to send a strong political message about their plans to collaborate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Karua’s former Narc Kenya party was initially part of the Azimio coalition alongside Kalonzo and Eugene. However, she later exited the coalition as she rebranded the party.
Following an image overhaul, Narc Kenya is now officially known as the People's Liberation Party (PLP) after receiving a name-change certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties.
The rebrand is part of Karua’s strategy to appeal to the younger generation, particularly Gen Z voters, who are expected to play a key role in the 2027 elections.
Last month, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu presented the official name-change certificate to Karua at the ORPP's Lion Place offices.
She commended the party for following due process, 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," Nderitu stated.
The name
change is one of four major transformations undertaken by the party as it seeks
to enhance its public appeal ahead of 2027.
In addition to the new name, PLP has also changed its party symbol, official colours, and slogan.
The party has replaced its previous colours—luminous red and white—with lilac, white, and purple. Its symbol has changed from a rose flower to a purple rose.
The new PLP slogan, "Unite" and "Liberate," replaces the former "One Kenya, One Nation, One People."
Karua has stated that the name change reflects a generational shift in party leadership and aligns with the aspirations of young people.
Over the past year, Kenya’s youth have mounted significant resistance against the Kenya Kwanza administration, a movement Karua seeks to engage.
She also revealed that PLP intends to sponsor radical constitutional amendments, including introducing 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. This means
that in the next party elections, I will not be eligible to contest,"
Karua announced in November.
