NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka were among key political figures who attended the launch of Martha Karua’s newly rebranded People’s Liberation Party (PLP) on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The unveiling of PLP marks a significant shift in Karua’s political trajectory, as she moves away from Narc Kenya, the party she led for nearly two decades, to spearhead a broader opposition movement.
The event, attended by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition figures, signals intensifying efforts to forge an alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.
The emergence of PLP comes amid growing discontent with President William Ruto’s administration.
People’s Liberation Party is not just a Cosmetic change, but a renewed pledge to challenge policies that hold back our people. We reflect on the symbols Purple, Lilac and white that embodied Unity, transformation and clarity. We #unitedliberate to uplift every community in…
Karua, Gachagua, Kalonzo, and Wamalwa have been holding a series of strategic meetings, particularly in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua has been consolidating his political base.
While Karua and Gachagua were once on opposite ends of the political spectrum—Karua having been Azimio la Umoja’s 2022 running mate and Gachagua serving as Ruto’s deputy—their recent public engagements suggest a new political realignment.
The two have met at least twice in recent weeks, raising speculation about a potential coalition.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Karua emphasized that her rapprochement with Gachagua goes beyond personal reconciliation—it is about uniting opposition forces to challenge what she called the “stranglehold” of the current regime.
“It was a meeting for friendship, and we let bygones be bygones. We pledged to work together for Kenyans and seek other leaders who believe Kenya needs to be rescued from this rogue regime,” Karua said during a TV interview on Wednesday.
Karua clarified that her newfound alliance with Gachagua is based on shared concerns over the country’s governance rather than political convenience.
“At this moment, we are standing in the same place with Riggy G and other leaders, determined to relieve Kenyans of the pain on their backs. A coalition is inevitable—it may not be today, but it will happen,” she added.
Her remarks come at a time when opposition figures are coalescing in what appears to be the early stages of a grand coalition to counter Ruto’s government.
Gachagua’s presence at the event further fuels speculation about his political future.
Once a staunch ally of Ruto, he has recently distanced himself from the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing frustrations over leadership and economic policies.
His engagement with Karua and other opposition figures suggests he may be repositioning himself ahead of 2027.
