Sifuna Named The Equitable Party’s Candidate for 2027 Presidential Bid

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been unveiled as the leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party (TEP), giving him a political vehicle for his bid ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna formally adopted TEP as his political platform during a gathering in Nairobi on Sunday, as opposition leaders continue to organise ahead of the next presidential contest. The move gives the senator an established party structure through which he can pursue his national ambitions and participate in efforts to build a united opposition challenge to President William Ruto.

TEP leader Gilbert Marava said the party would retain its registration while allowing new political allies associated with Sifuna's movement to join. He confirmed that Sifuna would take over the leadership of the party and carry its presidential ticket into the 2027 election.

Founded in March 2022, TEP advocates social justice, fairness and equality. The party uses gold and emerald colours, a weighing-scale emblem and the Swahili slogan Tusawazishe, which refers to creating a more equal distribution of opportunities.

The party has maintained a limited national presence since its registration, but Sifuna's adoption of its platform gives it a more prominent role in opposition politics. The development is part of the wider efforts of the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) to bring several opposition parties and political groups under a common umbrella.

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties recently approved the reservation of the movement's name, allowing its organisers to proceed with preparations for formal coalition activities. TEP is among several parties associated with the emerging movement. Others include The Mwananchi Party, linked to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and the United Democratic Party associated with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Siaya Governor James Orengo is also expected to introduce another political vehicle.

The arrangement is intended to allow the parties to retain their individual identities while working together on opposition activities. Once the coalition structure is established, Sifuna is expected to participate in discussions with other opposition formations, including The Ukombozi Alliance, over the selection of a presidential candidate for 2027.

Leaders attending the event said Sifuna's political ambitions should extend beyond his regional base. Bumula MP Jack Wamboka called for the party to build support across ethnic and geographical divisions, while Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga stressed the need for inclusivity and greater youth participation.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale urged Sifuna to work with established opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and James Orengo. He said their experience would be important in building a competitive presidential campaign.

Other speakers expressed confidence in Sifuna's prospects. Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge described him as a strong political force, while Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said the emergence of new parties under LMM demonstrated the continued growth of multiparty politics in Kenya.