On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Senator Godfrey Osotsi announced that over 600,000 individuals had registered as members of The Equitable Party (TEP) within two hours of its official launch in Nairobi. This rapid sign-up rate caused an immediate disruption to the online registration system. Osotsi, a key ally within the Linda Mwananchi Movement, made the statement during TEP's launch, which was attended by prominent opposition figures.
The launch event brought together notable figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The gathering was a show of support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has adopted TEP as his party platform for the 2027 presidential election.
Osotsi challenged the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to restore access to the registration portal promptly, warning that party supporters would march to the registrar's offices if the platform remained offline. He stated that the overwhelming sign-up rate had caused the online registration system to shut down. The senator did not provide a detailed breakdown of the claimed 600,000 registrations, and the figure could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
In addition to the registration claims, Osotsi stated that 35 county branch networks previously affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had shifted allegiance to TEP. He cited the mass migration as evidence of the movement's rapid nationwide expansion. The senator specifically mentioned a senior Turkana political figure, a former ODM county chairperson, who had formally defected to TEP alongside his local support base.
Sifuna's adoption of TEP as his party platform for the 2027 presidential election comes after his exit from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The move is seen as a significant development in Kenyan politics, with Sifuna seeking to challenge other candidates in the upcoming election. Osotsi's claims of massive registration numbers and defections from ODM are likely to be closely watched by political analysts and rivals.
The rapid expansion of TEP and Sifuna's presidential bid have raised questions about the party's strategy and chances in the 2027 election. With a large crowd in attendance at the launch event, Osotsi and Sifuna appear to be generating significant interest and momentum for their campaign. However, the accuracy of the registration claims and the party's long-term prospects remain to be seen.
The developments surrounding TEP and Sifuna's presidential bid are a significant development in Kenyan politics, with implications for the 2027 election. As the campaign season heats up, it remains to be seen how Sifuna and TEP will fare against other candidates. Key points to watch include the party's ability to verify the registration claims, its strategy for the election, and its chances of success.
Key points
- Senator Godfrey Osotsi claims 600,000 people registered with The Equitable Party within two hours of its launch.
- 35 county branch networks previously affiliated with ODM have shifted allegiance to TEP.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has adopted TEP as his party platform for the 2027 presidential election.
