Kenyan senator Edwin Sifuna has officially launched The Equitable Party (TEP), a new political party that he will use to contest the 2027 presidential election. The launch comes after his efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) were met with several obstacles. Sifuna, who is currently the senator for Nairobi, has been gaining significant support in recent polls, with a July survey by Tifa showing that he would garner 15% of the national vote if he were to run for president.
The launch of TEP was attended by several high-profile politicians, including Governor of Siaya James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Governor of Trans Nzoia George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka. The party was initially founded in 2022 by Kenyan-American Dr. Gilbert Marava Shanga, but its founding members left and handed over leadership to Sifuna after negotiations with the LMM faction.
Sifuna has been critical of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), accusing it of being used as a tool to hinder opposition parties from carrying out their activities. He claimed that the ORPP had blocked the registration of LMM, prompting him to launch TEP. The senator vowed that the party would focus on restoring Kenyans' faith in the Constitution and the rule of law, while ensuring that all groups are recognized and given equal opportunities in leadership and national development.
During the launch, Sifuna expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing Kenyans, including the high cost of living and the burden of taxation on small businesses. He also called on Kenyans with similar ideologies to join the party, saying that it was a call to unite and work together to build a movement that would restore the hopes that Kenyans had in 2010 when they adopted the Constitution.
The launch of TEP comes at a time when Sifuna is gaining popularity, with recent polls showing him as a potential contender for the presidency. The senator has been at odds with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which he accused of frustrating his efforts to register LMM. Sifuna's move has been seen as a significant blow to ODM, with some of its members expressing support for the new party.
Several leaders who attended the launch expressed their support for Sifuna and TEP, with Governor Orengo stating that he was ready to support any move to block President William Ruto's re-election bid. Senator Osotsi said that the party's registration was a significant achievement, despite what he claimed were government efforts to block them.
The future of TEP and Sifuna's presidential bid remains to be seen, but the launch of the party has undoubtedly shaken up Kenya's political landscape. As the country prepares for the 2027 election, all eyes will be on Sifuna and TEP to see if they can make a significant impact.
Key points
- Edwin Sifuna launches The Equitable Party to contest the 2027 presidential election.
- The party's launch was attended by several high-profile politicians, including governors and MPs.
- Sifuna has been critical of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, accusing it of hindering opposition parties.
