People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has dropped her long-held ‘Iron Lady’ title and adopted a new identity, ‘Simba Jike’, as she intensifies her political mobilisation in Kirinyaga County.

Speaking after a church service at Kiamutugu Catholic Church on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Karua said the new identity reflects her commitment to fighting corruption and enforcing accountability.

“Mlikuwa mnaniita Iron Lady, sasa nimejipea jina ingine ‘Simba Jike’. Mimi ndio nitaweza kupambana na wafisadi na wale hawatii sheria ndio Kenya yetu irudi mahali inafaa,” she told a gathering of supporters.

The remarks marked a shift in her political branding as she continues to position herself as a central opposition figure ahead of the 2027 general election.

Political realignment and solo strategy

Karua’s rebranding comes as she steps up independent political mobilisation after distancing herself from the camp associated with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The move has been framed by her party as a focus on clarity and consistency in leadership.

In a statement issued on April 23, the People’s Liberation Party said, “The people of Kirinyaga do not need confusion to recognise leadership; they only need clarity,” adding that Karua’s leadership is rooted in service and accountability. The statement further described her record as one defined by “consistency, integrity, and accountability.”

Grassroots mobilisation and Purple Train tour

Karua has also launched a grassroots mobilisation campaign dubbed the Purple Train, which began on April 24 in Kirinyaga and continued to Nyeri on April 25.

The tour covered several stops including Kamuthanga, Kianjang’a, Mukinduri, Kagio, Kangai, Karira, and Ngurubani, with the aim of strengthening her political base in the Mt Kenya region.

She described the initiative as a movement focused on governance and public service. “The People’s Liberation Party is a home for every Kenyan who believes in a better and fairer Kenya. A home for change. Together, we move towards a Kenya we know is possible,” she posted on X.

Presidential ambitions and opposition positioning

Karua has maintained her intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections, stating she will not take a running mate position. In a previous interview on March 30, she said, “Nitajitahidi kwa kila njia kuhakikisha mimi ndiye nitakayebeba bendera ya muungano.”

Her absence from recent United Alternative Government rallies has been interpreted as part of her strategy to pursue an independent political path.