Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s takeover of The Equitable Party (TEP) has positioned him for the 2027 presidential race as opposition parties begin negotiations on a joint political vehicle and candidate.
Sifuna unveiled TEP on Sunday, saying he would seek to rename it the Linda Mwananchi Movement in the coming days. He said the party would contest the 2027 election as TEP if the Registrar of Political Parties continued to frustrate efforts to register Linda Mwananchi.
The senator said that the party would prioritise change and people-centred leadership, a policy he believes will be the antidote to Kenya’s political ills.
“We believe in equal opportunities for everyone in this nation. We will listen before we speak, consult before we decide and explain policies and account for all our actions,” he said.
The move follows months of attempts to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement. The Registrar approved the reservation of the name on October 1 for 90 days after a tribunal overturned an earlier refusal.
TEP is expected to be part of the Linda Mwananchi coalition alongside The Mwananchi Party (TMP), led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, the United Democratic Party (UDP), associated with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and another party expected from Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Sifuna is expected to lead negotiations with other political formations on a wider opposition alliance ahead of the August 10, 2027, General Election.
Natembeya backed Sifuna’s presidential bid at Sunday’s event, saying the senator was capable of challenging President William Ruto, while cautioning against premature negotiations over a joint opposition candidate.
“Opposition leaders, let us put aside selfish interests. There is no one better than Sifuna, because you can see what Kenyans are saying,” Natembeya said.
Orengo called for the opposition to put national interests ahead of regional considerations, while Babu Owino urged opposition leaders to unite.
Sifuna’s allies point to his growing profile among younger voters as he seeks to establish himself as a presidential contender. A Tifa survey in July placed him at 15 per cent against Ruto’s 24 per cent.
Opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua also congratulated Sifuna on taking over the party.
The emerging coalition now brings together several political vehicles and leaders, with negotiations expected to determine whether the opposition settles on a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
– John Murunga contributed to this report.
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