A new political movement, the Kenya Left Alliance (KLA), was officially launched this weekend with the aim of fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections. The coalition, made up of various social justice organizations, is positioning itself as a progressive alternative to Kenya’s dominant political parties.
The KLA held its first national delegates congress in Nairobi on Saturday, where leaders outlined their vision for the country.
The coalition’s primary goal is to challenge what it described as decades of misrule by the country’s political elite. The alliance claims that the current leadership has been responsible for rising unemployment, widespread poverty, and the suppression of people’s rights.
“We are calling for a national democratic revolution. This is a bold, ambitious, and urgent movement aimed at transforming Kenya’s political landscape,” said Nduko o’Matigere, the National Chairperson of the Ukweli Party, one of KLA’s founding organizations.
The coalition defines itself as a socialist, feminist, pan-Africanist, and anti-imperialist alliance. It unites various progressive political parties, movements, and individuals with the shared objective of addressing long-standing inequalities in Kenyan society.
Among the activist groups represented at the congress were Kongamano La Mapinduzi, Social Justice Centre, and the Ukweli Party. Wanjira Wanjiru, co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Centre, declared that the coalition’s campaign marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to free Kenya from what she called the “anti-people politics of oppression.”
At the congress, the KLA leaders expressed strong disapproval of the political alliance between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The coalition argued that the alliance, which was formed after the June 2024 Gen Z uprising, further eroded any chance of a robust opposition in the country.
Activist Sungu Oyoo accused the two dominant political parties of uniting for their own greed for power and perpetuating ethnicity-based politics.
“In response to the people’s rebellion, Kenya’s two most powerful and corrupt political cartels – Kenya Kwanza and ODM – united in their shared greed for power and wealth, only differing in their targets of ethnicity-based politics,” said Oyoo.
The KLA’s manifesto prioritizes key issues such as employment, universal healthcare, education, land reform, and food and water security. The coalition also plans to focus on the revitalization of Kenya’s industrial and agricultural sectors to create jobs for young people, who are most affected by the country’s high unemployment rate.
“The only way to truly liberate this country from the shackles of imperialism and neocolonialism is through a political revolution led by the people,” said Sefu Sanni, a prominent social justice advocate associated with KLA.
The coalition is urging Kenyans from all walks of life to join the movement. They have invited citizens to become members, volunteers, mobilizers, and even candidates for positions ranging from local ward representatives to the presidency under the Ukweli Party, which was founded by activist Boniface Mwangi.
“We are asking all Kenyans who believe in change to step forward and be part of this historic journey,” the KLA leaders emphasized during their speech.
With 2027 just around the corner, the formation of the Kenya Left Alliance is likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape. While the coalition faces challenges in building a strong base across the country, its message of social justice and equity is already resonating with many who are dissatisfied with the status quo.
This marks the beginning of a new era in Kenyan politics. The Kenya Left Alliance aims to provide an alternative path for those who seek more inclusive, fair, and accountable governance in the country. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the 2027 elections.
