Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has congratulated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following the unveiling of his political party, The Equitable Party (TEP), describing the development as an important step towards his pursuit of national leadership.
In a statement following the party's launch, Gachagua referred to Sifuna as his cousin and said democracy must be allowed to prevail, appearing to dismiss attempts to prevent the senator from establishing a political vehicle.
“My cousin, Senator Edwin Sifuna, congratulations are in order on the launch of your political party today. Democracy must prevail. To those who thought they could stop an idea whose time had come, we are sorry. Your time is up!” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president said the launch of TEP marked the beginning of Sifuna's journey towards national leadership and urged him to move quickly to build the party across the country.
Gachagua specifically encouraged Sifuna to identify strong candidates in his political stronghold who can contest parliamentary and other elective positions on the party's ticket.
He said such candidates would help challenge politicians he accused of supporting President William Ruto's administration at the expense of their electorates.
“I encourage you to move with speed to market your new party and identify strong aspirants in your stronghold to get rid of Ruto sycophants and surrogates who have betrayed the electorate and the people of Kenya and our great nation,” he said.
Gachagua further linked Sifuna's political initiative to efforts to build what he described as the country's sixth administration.
He said the emerging political realignment would require strong representation in Parliament, arguing that securing a majority in both the National Assembly and Senate would be critical to advancing the opposition's legislative agenda.
“I am very encouraged that the journey to form the 6th Administration is becoming more defined, as we need a majority of Members of Parliament in the two Houses to prosecute our legislative agenda,” Gachagua said.
He accused the Ruto administration of presiding over a country facing serious challenges and called on Sifuna's supporters to join TEP and support its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Gachagua said strong political parties were necessary for strengthening Kenya's democracy and urged supporters of Sifuna's presidential ambitions to help build the party from the grassroots.
His remarks come as opposition figures continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with different political formations seeking to consolidate support and establish viable vehicles for the contest.
Gachagua ended his statement with a strong warning to the Ruto administration, declaring that there would be “no escape route” for the government and invoking the opposition slogan “WANTAM” and “Round One”.
“Things are boiling very nicely!” he said.