Kenyan politician Edwin Sifuna has launched The Equitable Party (TEP), a move that could complicate opposition efforts to unite behind a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. Sifuna unveiled TEP as the vehicle through which he intends to pursue the presidency. The launch brought together an impressive cross-section of opposition figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senators Godfrey Osotsi and Richard Onyonka.
The emergence of TEP adds another layer to the opposition camp, which may complicate negotiations over how to organise against Ruto. Every principal in the Linda Mwananchi camp now has a political party, including Sifuna, who has taken over TEP. The party was registered in March 2022 with the slogan "Tusawazishe". Its leadership has agreed to restructure the outfit and bring Sifuna and his allies into its fold.
TEP leader Gilbert Marava said the party had decided to restructure and accommodate Sifuna's camp. Sifuna will be the next leader of TEP and will run for president under the party's banner. The party's launch was attended by several politicians, including MPs Babu Owino and Caroli Omondi. They insisted on the need for the team to remain united to challenge Ruto's reelection bid.
The launch of TEP gives Sifuna a party over which his camp can exercise significant control as he prepares for the presidential contest. For months, Sifuna's political future has been entangled with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has grown into one of the most visible anti-government formations. However, attempts to turn Linda Mwananchi directly into a political party were caught up in registration disputes.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal eventually cleared the way for the Linda Mwananchi name to be reserved, but the strict ORPP deadlines made it practically impossible to prepare it for the 2027 elections. The movement could remain an umbrella political brand bringing together several parties and leaders. However, such an arrangement would make opposition coalition negotiations more complicated.
Several political figures within the opposition already have their own parties or are associated with different political vehicles. Babu Owino has his Mwananchi Party, while Governor George Natembeya has been associated with the Ukombozi push. Governor Orengo has also indicated plans for his own political vehicle. Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leads the Democracy for Citizens Party.
Sifuna's emergence has altered the calculation for opposition leaders, who must now consider whether to accommodate him in a coalition, give him a leading role, or allow him to run independently. His growing profile has forced established opposition figures to reassess their strategies. The new party will be built around a single leadership structure and a single presidential candidate, effectively putting Sifuna's 2027 ambitions at the centre of the new political formation.
Key points
- The launch of TEP adds complexity to opposition unity talks.
- Sifuna's new party gives him greater leverage in the 2027 presidential contest.
- The opposition must now consider whether to accommodate Sifuna in a coalition or allow him to run independently.
