Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has strongly criticized Martha Karua’s newly rebranded People’s Liberation Party (PLP) for adopting the colour purple, claiming it legally belongs to COTU. Atwoli asserts that the trade union patented the colour in 2008, warning that any political entity attempting to use it would be violating the law.
Atwoli’s remarks come just hours after Karua rebranded NARC-Kenya into the PLP, unveiling a party identity featuring purple, lilac, and white. His opposition to the use of purple has sparked debate on the legality and exclusivity of colours in Kenya’s political and organizational landscape.
“I don’t see where Martha is taking purple because it is known. Kenyans must know that purple is a workers’ colour, so anyone trying to use it as mileage is wasting their time,” Atwoli asserted during a press briefing.
Atwoli further dismissed the formation of an opposition coalition aimed at countering President William Ruto’s administration. According to him, the opposition lacks the numerical strength and strategy to unseat the current government. His comments downplayed efforts by Karua and other opposition figures to create a formidable challenge against Ruto’s leadership.
“I don’t want Karua and her party to appear bigger than it seems,” Atwoli added, casting doubt on PLP’s potential political impact.
Beyond political party colours, Atwoli also addressed Kenya’s economic challenges, urging citizens to join workers’ unions. He emphasized that being part of trade unions could help workers resist excessive taxation and economic hardships.
The controversy over colour ownership is an unusual political dispute in Kenya. While parties often distinguish themselves through unique branding, the legal basis of Atwoli’s claim remains unclear. It raises questions about whether a specific colour can be exclusively reserved for an organization and if such a claim holds legal weight.
As Karua’s PLP moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the party will adjust its branding or challenge Atwoli’s stance. With political temperatures rising ahead of the next election cycle, this disagreement underscores the intense contestation even over seemingly minor details in Kenya’s political arena.
