Francis Atwoli Responds To Karua’s Use Of COTU Purple Colour Trademark
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has abandoned plans to challenge the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) over its usage of the purple hue.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli stated that they withdrew the plans because going to court would raise the party’s and its leader Martha Karua’s profile.
“We have a letter of patent related to the colour but after weighing the matter, we realised that if we sue the party, we will be building Martha Karua,” he explained.
“We will make her appear as if she can create an impact on Kenyan masses as far as Kenyan politics is concerned.”
Atwoli drops plan to sue Martha Karua over purple party color, say COTU is bigger than a political party
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 28, 2025
Video By Pkemoi Ng’enoh pic.twitter.com/Oz4m4voK5f
Addressing the journalists in his office, Atwoli stated that COTU is larger than political parties.
“COTU is bigger than all political parties in this country. COTU is represented locally and internationally, so we cannot cut ourselves to a size no one can understand,” he explained.
The Narc Kenya Party’s colour changed when it rebranded as PLP in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Atwoli slams opposition:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 28, 2025
Atwoli warns parties against using purple colour
Atwoli: COTU patented colour purple in 2008#CitizenBriefs @jimkario pic.twitter.com/pvCzYqvehS
The new party colors are purple, lilac, and white, a departure from Narc Kenya’s red, white, and green.
The party’s symbol has also altered, from a red rose to a purple rose. Karua attempted to justify the hue change in the rebranding.
“We have retained its flower symbol and the motto as revealed in the past,” Karua said when the new party was unveiled on February 27, 2025.
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“Purple is a rallying call for unity amid political divisions. It is what we are seeing in the country. We welcome all to come and join this home. We are beefing up this story and more details.”
She stated that the party is undergoing a transition to better reflect its renewed commitment to uniting and liberating all Kenyans.
“The People’s Liberation Party is a movement for all Kenyans who believe in justice, equality, and true democratic governance,” she stated.
“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; because change cannot wait.”
Francis Atwoli Responds To Karua’s Use Of COTU Purple Colour Trademark
