Sifuna Unveils New Party

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has unveiled The Equitable Party as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential contest. The launch was attended by several leaders, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

The leaders urged Sifuna to build the party into a national outfit and bring together Kenyans from across the country. MP Jack Wamboka described Sifuna's political journey as one centered on Kenyans, saying his candidature was bigger than an individual.

Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga also backed Sifuna, thanking young Kenyans on social media for supporting the senator's political journey. Kalasinga called for the new party to have a national image and representation from different communities.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale cautioned Sifuna that building a successful political movement would require him to work with other opposition leaders. Khalwale cited former Siaya Governor James Orengo and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka as leaders whose support Sifuna would need.

Sifuna used the launch event to revisit his frustrations with the registration of Linda Mwananchi Movement and his eventual dismissal from the Orange Democratic Movement. He accused the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties of being a major obstacle in the way it handled attempts by opposition groups to register new parties.

The Equitable Party was founded by US-based Kenyan Dr Gilbert Marava Shanga in 2022. The party's founding leaders stepped aside following negotiations with the Linda Mwananchi team, paving the way for Sifuna to take over as party leader.

Sifuna vowed that he would not let his supporters down and would steer the party with integrity and political decorum. He said the party would prioritize change and people-centered leadership, and would listen before speaking, consult before deciding, and explain policies and account for all actions.