Kenyan lawyer and opposition veteran Martha Karua launched a new political party on Thursday, vowing to engage the youth as she prepares a run for the presidency in 2027.A fierce critic of President William Ruto, she said her new People’s Liberation Party aims to “fight, unite and liberate” Kenya.In the last election, Karua was the running mate of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who lost out to Ruto. At the launch of her new party, Karua was joined by a group of politicians who see themselves as the new opposition following a recent pact between Odinga and Ruto. Karua has hinted at the possibility of a coalition with politicians who have not joined Ruto’s new “broad-based government”, but has vowed she will not be “anyone’s running mate” this time around.Among the politicians attending Karua’s launch was former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached last year after a fallout with Ruto.Ruto’s popularity has fallen with Kenyans after plans for new taxes sparked massive youth-led protests last year in a bid to reduce the country’s heavy debt burden. The authorities responded violently, with more than 60 killed during the protests and dozens abducted by security forces in the following months, according to rights groups. “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,” Karua said.She said her party will actively engage the youth, who are expected to play a pivotal role in the next election.Like the rest of Africa, Kenya’s population is young: 80 percent are aged under 35, according to government figures.Karua is a former justice minister and has been compared to ex-British premier Margaret Thatcher, sharing the nickname “Iron Lady”. She ran for the presidency once before in 2013, but came a distant sixth.
Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:26:10 GMT
