Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed strong support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s newly launched political party, encouraging him to swiftly build the organization and identify candidates for the upcoming 2027 general election.
Gachagua offered his congratulations to Sifuna after the unveiling of The Equitable Party (TEP) on Sunday, where Sifuna was officially introduced as its leader and preferred presidential candidate.
In a message following the launch, Gachagua characterized Sifuna’s new party as the start of an important journey toward national leadership, urging his supporters to unite behind this new initiative.
“My cousin, Senator Edwin Sifuna, congratulations are in order on the launch of your political party today. Democracy must prevail,” Gachagua remarked.
The former Deputy President noted that those who tried to hinder Sifuna’s political aspirations had failed, encouraging the senator to focus on developing the party.
“To those who believed they could halt an idea whose time has come, we’re sorry. Your time is up!” he declared.
Gachagua advised Sifuna to pinpoint candidates in regions where he enjoys support.
“I encourage you to act quickly to promote your new party and identify strong candidates in your base,” Gachagua stated.
He further connected Sifuna’s political endeavor to the broader opposition movement aimed at challenging President William Ruto’s administration in the 2027 elections.
“I call on everyone who supports Senator Edwin Sifuna’s candidacy to join his new party and back candidates for various positions within it,” he urged.
Gachagua emphasized that the establishment of robust political parties is crucial for shaping the democratic future of the country.
He also pointed out that Sifuna’s party has clarified efforts to form what he referred to as the “sixth administration,” asserting that this political initiative will require a majority in both Houses of Parliament to advance its legislative agenda.
“I am very encouraged that our journey to form the 6th Administration is becoming clearer, as we need a majority in both Houses of Parliament to pursue our legislative goals,” Gachagua expressed.
His endorsement followed Sifuna’s official unveiling of TEP as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential election.
The party’s launch signifies a new chapter in Sifuna’s political journey after months of uncertainty regarding the platform he would use to achieve his presidential ambitions.
TEP party leader Gilbert Marava mentioned that the party has agreed to restructure its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and his supporters, with Sifuna poised to take over as party leader and run for the presidency on its ticket.
Registered in March 2022, the party carries the slogan “Tusawazishe,” and its leadership has agreed to align the organization with Sifuna’s political vision.
Sifuna’s decision follows a prolonged fallout with the Orange Democratic Movement, where he previously served as secretary-general.
In July, he indicated his intent to leave ODM and seek a new political vehicle for his 2027 ambitions after being removed as secretary-general and stripped of his Senate leadership position.
He has since built a national profile through the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has united several opposition leaders and politicians.
Sifuna’s new party now provides him with a formal political platform as he seeks to establish a national campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
This development also adds another political avenue within an opposition landscape already populated by leaders positioning themselves for the next presidential race.
Meanwhile, Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for Citizens Party, has been actively working to unite opposition leaders, including through the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Gachagua asserted that there would be no “escape route” for the Ruto administration, describing the upcoming political contest as “WANTAM and Round ONE.”
