By Wasike Elvis 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has formally unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP), positioning the new political outfit as his vehicle for the 2027 presidential election and opening a new chapter in his political career.

Sifuna was unveiled as the party leader and presidential candidate during a colourful launch held in Nairobi on Sunday, October 4, 2026, attended by a number of prominent political leaders drawn from different parts of the country.

The launch marks a significant step in Sifuna's efforts to translate the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) into a structured political force capable of participating in the 2027 General Election.

The Equitable Party has adopted green and yellow as its main colours and uses the scales of justice as its symbolic identity. Its slogan is “Tusawazishe,” signalling its emphasis on equality, fairness and equitable representation.

During the event, TEP party leader Gilbert Marava announced that the party had agreed to restructure its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and members of his political movement.

Marava said those who had initially registered the party would remain part of the new structure while Sifuna and his supporters would be brought into the leadership.

He declared that Sifuna would take over the leadership of the party and use its ticket to seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

The development gives Sifuna a formal political platform at a time when political parties and presidential hopefuls are increasingly positioning themselves for the next General Election.

Sifuna has in recent months intensified his political mobilisation through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, presenting himself as one of the leaders seeking to provide an alternative political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.

His unveiling under TEP now gives the movement a party structure through which supporters can organise, recruit members and prepare for the electoral process.

Natembeya Calls for Opposition Unity

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was among the prominent leaders who attended the launch and used the occasion to call for unity among opposition leaders.

Natembeya urged political leaders opposed to President William Ruto's administration to put aside personal ambitions and rally behind Sifuna as they seek to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 presidential election.

The governor argued that opposition leaders should focus on the bigger political picture instead of spending too much time negotiating their positions behind closed doors.

According to Natembeya, Kenyans had already demonstrated the direction they wanted the opposition to take and leaders should listen to the public rather than engage in endless boardroom discussions.

His remarks added weight to growing calls for opposition parties and leaders to settle on a common presidential candidate early enough to avoid splitting their support during the 2027 election.

Natembeya's endorsement places him among the senior political figures who have publicly backed Sifuna's emerging presidential bid.

Major Political Figures Attend Launch

The launch attracted leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement as well as politicians who have increasingly been involved in discussions on the future of Kenya's opposition.

Among those present were Siaya governor James Orengo, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also attended the event, alongside Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo.

Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo was also among those who attended the unveiling.

The presence of leaders from different regions and political backgrounds highlighted the efforts to build a broad political movement around Sifuna ahead of the 2027 contest.

Speakers at the event endorsed Sifuna's presidential ambitions, portraying him as a potential candidate capable of providing an alternative to President Ruto in the next election.

New Phase After ODM Fallout

Sifuna's unveiling as the presidential candidate of TEP also marks a new phase in his political career following his fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement, where he previously served as Secretary-General.

The senator has increasingly positioned himself outside the traditional party structures as he builds the Linda Mwananchi Movement and seeks to establish an independent political identity.

The formation and unveiling of TEP therefore provides him with an electoral platform through which he can turn his political mobilisation into an organised campaign ahead of 2027.

The new party comes at a time when several politicians are forming or repositioning political parties in preparation for the highly competitive presidential and parliamentary contests expected in 2027.

Linda Mwananchi Movement Secures Name Reservation

The development also follows a recent legal victory for the Linda Mwananchi Movement.

The Political Disputes Tribunal ruled that LMM had the right to reserve its name, overturning an earlier decision by the Registrar of Political Parties that had denied the movement the opportunity to reserve the name.

The ruling cleared an important hurdle for the movement as its leaders work on establishing a political structure capable of participating in the next election.

TEP is expected to be part of the wider political coalition associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement as opposition leaders explore ways of consolidating their support ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The emergence of TEP adds another dimension to an already crowded political field, with several leaders positioning themselves for the presidency and others seeking to build alliances around preferred candidates.

For Sifuna, Sunday's launch represents the formalisation of a presidential ambition that has been gaining momentum in recent months.

With the senator now taking over the leadership of The Equitable Party and being presented as its presidential candidate, attention is expected to shift towards his campaign strategy, coalition-building efforts and his ability to bring together opposition leaders and voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.