Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken a major step towards his 2027 presidential bid after unveiling The Equitable Party (TEP) as the political vehicle through which he intends to seek the presidency.
Sifuna was unveiled as the party leader and presidential candidate during a ceremony in Nairobi on Sunday, October 4, attended by several leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
The development ends months of uncertainty over the political outfit that would carry his presidential ambitions.
The Equitable Party was registered in 2022 and uses the slogan “Tusawazishe”, with scales of justice forming part of its symbolism.
Party leader Gilbert Marava said the organisation had agreed to restructure its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and his allies.
“On our end, we have decided to restructure, and in the process, those who registered will stay, and we will bring in our brothers,” Marava said.
The move comes after prolonged uncertainty surrounding the Linda Mwananchi Movement's attempt to secure a political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna said the movement would seek to rebrand TEP as Linda Mwananchi Movement after the name was cleared for reservation following a legal dispute with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
“So, in the coming days, and as has been resolved by the principals of Linda Mwananchi, we shall be seeking to rebrand this party, the Equitable Party, to the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” Sifuna said.
The launch brought together prominent figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Sifuna said his political project would focus on ideas, accountability, service and greater citizen participation in governance.
He urged Kenyans to move beyond being spectators in politics and instead take an active role in determining the country's leadership and policies.
“The people must not remain an audience to politics. They must become its authors,” Sifuna said.
The senator's entry into the presidential race adds another layer to efforts by opposition leaders to agree on a joint strategy for the 2027 election.
With Sifuna now having a formal political vehicle, attention is expected to shift towards how his campaign will work with other opposition formations seeking to challenge President William Ruto.