Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has settled on The Equitable Party (TEP) as the vehicle for his 2027 presidential bid, ending weeks of uncertainty over which party he and his allies would use.
Sifuna was unveiled as TEP’s leader and presidential candidate at an event in Nairobi on Sunday, October 4.
Party leader Gilbert Marava said TEP would restructure its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
The launch was attended by several leaders associated with the movement, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
A search for a political vehicle
Sifuna’s choice follows weeks of discussion among his allies about a party platform for the next election. In September, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said Sifuna would use the United Democratic Party (UDP).
That plan later faced objections from UDP officials over proposed changes to the party’s leadership and identity.
Other existing parties were also discussed.
On October 2, Khalwale said he would set aside his own United Patriotic Movement and run for Kakamega governor on whichever party Sifuna chose.
Linda Mwananchi name approved for reservation
The choice of TEP came days after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal overturned the Registrar of Political Parties’ refusal to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement.
The tribunal found the refusal lacked legal justification and directed the registrar to reconsider the application.
The registrar approved the name reservation on October 1 for up to 90 days.
The reservation does not mean Linda Mwananchi is fully registered as a political party.
The approval gives its promoters time to complete the remaining registration requirements.
TEP is an existing registered party
Despite being introduced as Sifuna’s new political home, TEP is not a newly registered party.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties lists it as fully registered, with a certificate issued on March 25, 2022.
Its registered slogan is “Tusawazishe.”
The party choice gives Sifuna an established electoral platform as political parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
The Registrar’s timetable requires parties to submit the names and specimen signatures of authorised officials by October 15, with further deadlines for election and nomination rules later in the month.
