Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stated that he is in no hurry to join political alliances, citing his focus on building The Equitable Party (TEP) as his top priority. Sifuna mentioned that October will be dedicated to establishing grassroots structures for TEP and completing work on its headquarters. He emphasized that coalition talks will only come after the groundwork is done.
Sifuna's comments come in response to overtures from Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), which aims to bring opposition forces together ahead of the 2027 general election. Sifuna disclosed that his party's National Executive Committee (NEC) met recently and submitted all necessary documents for the proposed change of the party's name to Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).
The name change, awaiting approval from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, signals Sifuna's intention to establish an independent political base. This move comes as opposition leaders maneuver to shape alliances and settle on a common strategy for challenging President William Ruto in 2027.
Sifuna also revisited his acrimonious departure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing President William Ruto of engineering his exit from the party. He claimed that the President was calling the shots in ODM, including the directive to have him removed from the Secretary General position due to his reluctance to embrace the broad-based government arrangement.
Sifuna stated that he has forgiven all ODM officials who played a part in his ouster, saying he holds no grudges. He rejected suggestions that Raila Odinga had lost confidence in him towards the end of the former Prime Minister's life. Sifuna cited an incident where Raila insisted that he remain Secretary General, contradicting claims that the two had fallen out.
The Nairobi senator maintained that Raila would have contested the 2027 presidential election had he lived, pointing to a meeting Raila held with party experts. According to Sifuna, Raila expressed his intention to return to the ballot in 2027. Sifuna also ruled out resigning from the Senate following his departure from ODM, saying he will continue representing Nairobi residents.
On policy, Sifuna emphasized the fight against wasteful public expenditure, arguing that the government could unlock over Sh500 billion by eliminating wastage in public office. He proposed that the savings could create room for lower taxation, presenting the crackdown on waste as an alternative to placing a heavier financial burden on Kenyans.
Key points
- Sifuna prioritizes building The Equitable Party structures over political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
- Sifuna accuses President William Ruto of engineering his exit from the Orange Democratic Movement.
- Sifuna proposes a crackdown on wasteful public expenditure to unlock Sh500 billion and potentially lower taxation.
