Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has chosen The Equitable Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 election, bringing him closer to challenging President William Ruto. Sifuna joined the party and took over its leadership after a lengthy search characterized by intrigues and challenges. The Equitable Party has positioned itself as a platform for a new political alternative, ready to challenge President William Ruto at the ballot.
The Equitable Party was registered in Kenya in 2022, with Dr. Gilbert Marava Shanga serving as its party leader until Sifuna's entry. Dr. Shanga is a seasoned economist, educator, and pan-African thinker with a PhD from Kansas State University and over 25 years of public service experience. He attended Muhudu Primary School in Vihiga county and sat for his primary school examinations in 1985.
Dr. Shanga's educational journey was marked by challenges, including being unable to join Senende High School in 1986 due to financial constraints. He resumed learning at Muhudu secondary school and later moved to Kaimosi mixed secondary school, where he sat for his secondary school examination in 1990. He pursued a degree in Statistics at the University of Nairobi and later relocated to the United States for his Master's degree.
Dr. Shanga joined Kansas State University, graduating with a PhD in Statistics and landing a job at Oklahoma State University. His career has seen him serve in executive roles at leading corporations, including Unilever and GlaxoSmithKline. He is married to Florence Shanga and has been inspired by the challenges he faced in his educational journey to support bright students from needy backgrounds.
Dr. Shanga teamed up with friends in the US and rolled out an initiative to support students from needy backgrounds, laying the foundation for The Equitable Party. The party is anchored in the values of equity, transparency, and accountability, with a focus on providing equal opportunities for all Kenyans. The party's colours include gold and emerald, with a symbol of a weighing scale that underscores its ideological focus.
The Equitable Party has grown significantly, with offices in several counties and a membership of over 3 million people. Its slogan, "Tusawazishe," translates to "let us equalise" in Swahili, reflecting the party's commitment to equity and fairness. Sifuna assured his supporters that if the party faces obstacles in rebranding, it will retain its current identity at the ballot.
The Equitable Party's vision for Kenya is centered around providing equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances. With Dr. Shanga's expertise and Sifuna's leadership, the party is poised to play a significant role in the 2027 election. Key to the party's success will be its ability to mobilize support and present a compelling alternative to President Ruto's administration.
Key points
- Dr. Gilbert Marava Shanga is a seasoned economist, educator, and pan-African thinker with a PhD from Kansas State University.
- The Equitable Party is anchored in the values of equity, transparency, and accountability.
- The party's slogan, "Tusawazishe," reflects its commitment to equity and fairness.
