NAIROBI, Kenya – Veteran politician Martha Karua has officially unveiled her new political vehicle, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), in a move signaling fresh realignments in Kenya’s opposition landscape.
The launch event, held on Thursday, drew key political figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, highlighting a shifting dynamic in the country’s political scene.
Addressing attendees, Karua emphasized the need for unity among leaders who share a vision of liberating Kenyans from what she termed as “oppressive governance.”
People’s Liberation Party is founded on principles of democracy, accountability and fairness and therefore we have introduced a term-limit for our party leader, a groundbreaking move that ensures leadership remains dynamic, fresh and accountable to the people of Kenya. This move…
“This is a beautiful day, and I am expecting everybody to know that it is time to unite and liberate,” said Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, echoing the party’s broader agenda.
Karua, a long-time advocate for good governance and democracy, framed PLP as a platform for leaders dissatisfied with President William Ruto’s administration and eager to push for an alternative political path.
One of the most striking developments surrounding Karua’s new party is her emerging partnership with Rigathi Gachagua, a former ally-turned-critic of President Ruto.
Their newfound political camaraderie, which began with Gachagua’s recent visit to Karua’s rural home in Kirinyaga County, has raised eyebrows.
“It was a meeting for friendship. We let bygones be bygones and started a journey as brother and sister,” Karua said of her talks with Gachagua.
She further hinted at broader political formations, stating:
“At this moment, we are standing in the same place with Riggy G and other leaders, determined to relieve Kenyans of the pain that is on their backs by getting out of the KK regime. There will be a coalition—it may not be today, but it will happen.”
Gachagua’s presence at the PLP launch underscores his increasing opposition to Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, signaling possible fractures within the ruling coalition.
