Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's new political party, The Equitable Party (TEP). Gachagua congratulated Sifuna on the launch of his party, describing it as the beginning of his journey towards national leadership. He encouraged Sifuna to move quickly to build the party and identify strong aspirants in areas where he has support. Gachagua's endorsement came hours after Sifuna formally unveiled TEP as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential election.
Gachagua's message to Sifuna was one of encouragement and urgency. He urged Sifuna to identify candidates in areas where he has support, saying that this would be crucial in shaping the country's democratic future. Gachagua also linked Sifuna's political project to the broader opposition effort to challenge President William Ruto's administration in the 2027 elections. He described the formation of strong political parties as essential in shaping the country's democratic future.
The launch of TEP marks a new phase in Sifuna's political journey after months of uncertainty over the vehicle he would use to pursue his presidential ambitions. TEP was registered in March 2022 and has the slogan "Tusawazishe". The party's leadership has now agreed to restructure the outfit around Sifuna's political project, with Sifuna set to take over as party leader and seek the presidency on its ticket.
Sifuna's move follows a prolonged fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement, where he previously served as secretary-general. In July, he signalled his intention to leave ODM and seek a new political vehicle for his 2027 ambitions after being removed as secretary-general and stripped of his Senate leadership position. He subsequently built his national profile through the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has brought together several opposition leaders and politicians.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party, has been involved in efforts to bring opposition leaders together, including through the Linda Mwananchi movement. He described the coming political contest as "WANTAM and Round ONE", indicating that there would be no "escape route" for the Ruto administration. Gachagua's endorsement of Sifuna's party adds another layer of complexity to the opposition landscape, which is already marked by several leaders positioning themselves for the next presidential contest.
The emergence of Sifuna's party has given greater definition to efforts to form what Gachagua described as the "sixth administration". He argued that the political project would require a majority in both Houses of Parliament to implement its legislative agenda. Gachagua expressed his optimism that the journey to form the 6th Administration is becoming more defined, as the opposition works to build a majority of Members of Parliament in the two Houses.
Sifuna's new party has garnered support from various leaders, who see it as a vehicle for opposition unity. The party's launch and Gachagua's endorsement have sparked a renewed focus on the 2027 general election, with various politicians and parties positioning themselves for the contest. As the election draws closer, Kenyans can expect to see more developments in the opposition landscape and the formation of new alliances and partnerships.
Key points
- Gachagua urges Sifuna to speed up mobilisation for the 2027 election
- Sifuna's new party, TEP, is registered and has a clear slogan
- The opposition landscape is becoming increasingly complex ahead of the 2027 election
