Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has announced the launch of The Equitable Party (TEP), with plans to contest the 2027 General Election. Sifuna, declared TEP leader and presidential candidate, expressed determination to push forward despite obstacles. He cited challenges in securing a vehicle for the campaign, but warned that setbacks will not deter the party. TEP was registered on March 25, 2022, and is linked to the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Sifuna accused the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) of frustrating individuals seeking to form or rebrand parties. He alleged that the registrar's office facilitates fraud and claimed that efforts to persuade former allies to change course were unsuccessful. Sifuna criticized those who took over Raila Odinga's former party, accusing them of embracing "impunity and regression." He presented TEP as a home for Kenyans seeking change within the democratic and constitutional framework.
The party's focus will be on equal opportunity, youth participation, women's leadership, regional dignity, and national unity. Sifuna emphasized the need for young Kenyans to have a meaningful voice in shaping the country's leadership. He rejected personality politics, promising a movement built on ideas, programs, accountability, and consultation. TEP aims to explain its policies, account for its actions, and correct its mistakes.
Sifuna linked TEP to the legacy of late opposition leader Raila Odinga, crediting him with helping a generation of leaders overcome barriers. October is a month of loss for Kenyans, Sifuna observed, as it marks the passing of Odinga. He praised Odinga for enabling leaders to scale obstacles and see a better future. Sifuna's team had met resistance while seeking a vehicle for the campaign, but he assured that they have options.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) had earlier overturned the ORPP's decision to deny the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) the right to reserve its name. TEP is connected to LMM, which Sifuna and his allies built ahead of the election. Sifuna's comments come amid a backdrop of opposition politics in Kenya, with various parties and leaders vying for influence.
Sifuna's launch of TEP and his presidential ambitions may stir further debate in Kenyan politics. His stance on youth participation, women's leadership, and national unity may resonate with some voters. However, the hurdles facing TEP, including resistance from the ORPP, may impact the party's prospects.
The 2027 General Election is expected to be highly competitive, with various parties and leaders seeking to make an impact. Sifuna's determination to push forward with TEP, despite obstacles, demonstrates his commitment to his vision for Kenya. The party's policies and actions will likely be closely watched in the lead-up to the election.
Key points
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna launches The Equitable Party to contest 2027 General Election.
- Sifuna accuses ORPP of frustrating individuals seeking to form or rebrand parties.
- TEP focuses on equal opportunity, youth participation, women's leadership, regional dignity, and national unity.
