By:Robert Mutasi
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has escalated the battle for the 2027 presidency, launching a fresh political offensive in the Mt Kenya region with the opening of new party offices in Murang’a County.
The move is widely seen as part of Karua’s strategy to reclaim influence in the vote-rich region while strengthening the opposition’s campaign against President William Ruto ahead of the next General Election.
Flanked by PLP Deputy Party Leader Peter Kagwanja and several local leaders, Karua declared that the opposition remains united despite individual parties embarking on separate recruitment drives.
She dismissed claims that differences among opposition parties signal cracks within the coalition, arguing that every political outfit must first build its own support base before converging under a common national agenda.
“The strength of every opposition party strengthens the United Opposition. This phase of grassroots mobilization is necessary as we prepare for the political contest ahead,” Karua said.
She challenged Kenyans who believe in constitutionalism, good governance and accountability to join PLP, insisting that Kenya’s democratic space should never return to the era of one-party dominance.
The Murang’a launch quickly transformed into an early campaign rally, with hundreds of supporters dressed in PLP’s purple colours chanting pro-Karua slogans and accompanying her on a walk through the town centre, where she greeted traders and boda boda operators.
In a speech that energized the crowd, Deputy Party Leader Peter Kagwanja declared that Karua remains the opposition’s strongest presidential prospect, describing her as a leader of integrity with the experience and courage to lead Kenya.
Kagwanja even referred to Karua as “Her Excellency,” expressing confidence that she would occupy State House after the 2027 elections.
“We are presenting a leader who will be elected because of her proven record, not because of emotions. We believe Martha Karua is the leader Kenya needs,” Kagwanja told supporters.
Political analysts view the Murang’a event as another indication that the race for the 2027 presidency has shifted into higher gear, with opposition leaders intensifying grassroots campaigns months before formal campaign activities begin.
The Murang’a office becomes the latest addition to PLP’s growing network in the Mt Kenya region, following similar launches in Kirinyaga and Nyeri, in what appears to be a calculated effort to consolidate support in one of Kenya’s most influential political voting blocs.
With major political parties now embarking on aggressive grassroots mobilization, the contest for the Mt Kenya vote is expected to become one of the defining battles that could shape the outcome of the 2027 General Election.
