Kenyan lawyer and opposition veteran Martha Karua has launched a new political party, the “People’s Liberation Party,” as she prepares for a presidential bid in 2027.
A strong critic of President William Ruto, Karua declared that her party aims to “fight, unite, and liberate” Kenya.
She previously ran as the running mate of opposition leader Raila Odinga in the last election but has now ruled out being “anyone’s running mate” again.
At the launch, Karua was joined by politicians positioning themselves as the new opposition, following a recent agreement between Odinga and Ruto.
Among them was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached last year after falling out with Ruto.
Ruto’s popularity has declined, particularly among young Kenyans, following controversial tax proposals that led to massive youth-led protests last year.
The demonstrations were met with a violent crackdown, with more than 60 people killed and others abducted by security forces, according to rights groups.
Karua emphasised that her party’s rebrand is not just a name change but a commitment to revitalising Kenya’s political landscape.
“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,” she said.
She has pledged to engage young people, who make up 80% of Kenya’s population, in shaping the country’s future.
