A New Political Chapter
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Sunday formally unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP) as the political vehicle for his 2027 presidential bid, taking over leadership of the outfit and positioning it as the electoral platform of the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
The launch, held in Nairobi on October 4, 2026, ends weeks of uncertainty over where Sifuna and his allies would anchor their campaign after a public fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi declared Sifuna both the new party leader and the formation’s presidential candidate, telling supporters the new outfit would be led by Edwin Watenya Sifuna.
Party Details & Registration
TEP is not a newly registered party. Records from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties show it received full registration on March 25, 2022, under certificate number 100. Outgoing party leader Gilbert Marava Shanga announced a leadership restructuring to accommodate Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team while retaining founding members. Sifuna credited Dr. Shanga, Dr. Eunice Juma and outgoing chairperson Kari Karani for making the vehicle available.
- Name & Rebranding: Currently TEP, with plans to rebrand as the Linda Mwananchi Movement (or contest under TEP if obstacles arise).
- Slogan: “Tusawazishe”
- Colours & Logo: Green and yellow; scales of justice.
- Membership Registration: Dial *509# (Party Code 100). Organisers claimed about 600,000 members registered within two hours before the process was reportedly halted.
Notable Attendees
The event drew a cross-section of key political figures who offered their support:
- Governors: James Orengo, George Natembeya, and former Tharaka Nithi Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
- Senators: Godfrey Osotsi, Richard Onyonka, and Boni Khalwale.
- Members of Parliament: Babu Owino, Caroli Omondi, Patrick Makau, Antony Kibagendi, Jack Wamboka, and Majimbo Kalasinga.
- Other Notable Figures: Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo.
Reasons for the Move
Speaking at the launch, Sifuna framed the move as a response to what he described as the capture of ODM by forces of “impunity and regression” after the death of former party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. He said efforts to persuade former colleagues had failed, leaving the movement no option but to seek a new home.
“Efforts to persuade former colleagues failed, leaving the movement no option but to seek a new home.”
He also criticised the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, accusing it of existing to facilitate political fraud—remarks that come after prolonged disputes over party names, including earlier attempts linked to the United Democratic Party and the reservation of “Linda Mwananchi.”
Policy Priorities & Platform
On policy, Sifuna pledged citizen-centred leadership, consultation before major decisions, and accountability for outcomes. Key focus areas include:
- Budgeted Corruption: Targeting systematic corruption to free up public resources.
- Cost of Living & Jobs: Removing the housing levy and VAT on fuel and electricity to ease financial pressure on citizens and address unemployment.
- Manifesto Strategy: Withholding the full manifesto for now, claiming President William Ruto acts as a “copycat” who adopts opposition ideas.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The unveiling adds Sifuna to a growing list of opposition figures building or taking over parties ahead of the 2027 polls, as alliances continue to shift and leaders jostle for position against the incumbent administration. Whether TEP—or a rebranded Linda Mwananchi Movement—can consolidate broader opposition support remains the central question the new formation now faces.