Sifuna launches Equitable Party, unveils plans for new political movement ahead of 2027

Linda Mwananchi Senator Edwin Sifuna officially introduced the Equitable Party of Kenya, aiming to serve citizens who desire constitutional governance, accountability and equitable development prior to the 2027 General Election. Speaking at the launch, Sifuna highlighted the formation of the new political party as a significant step in Kenya's democratic journey, offering a platform for those dissatisfied with the current political landscape.

The party emerged after previous efforts to keep it within its previous political home failed, with Sifuna accusing unnamed forces of steering it away from the legacy of late opposition leader Raila Odinga. Sifuna emphasized the importance of the launch in October, the month Kenya lost Odinga, and pledged the party would uphold his ideals.

Initially, the party would operate under its current name but would seek rebranding as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, should the move be approved. The Equitable Party would concentrate on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, such as the cost of living, unemployment, taxation, access to education and healthcare, and the equitable distribution of development resources.

Sifuna criticized the government's lack of response to citizens' needs, accusing it of corruption and wastage of public resources contributing to economic challenges. He mentioned claims of billions lost through corruption, a large budget deficit and a growing public debt, stressing that these figures represent the suffering of ordinary Kenyans rather than mere statistics.

A team of experts was developing a comprehensive policy platform to be presented to Kenyans before the 2027 election. Sifuna claimed the experts identified between KSh500 billion and KSh1.8 trillion in "budgeted corruption" and argued eliminating such expenditure could enable the government to abolish the Housing Levy and VAT on fuel and electricity.

The party would operate under principles of constitutionalism, the rule of law, national values, and the sovereignty of the people, with a focus on inclusive politics, greater opportunities for women in leadership and equal consideration for all regions and communities. Sifuna rejected a model of politics centered on a single individual, emphasizing that Kenyans could disagree politically while maintaining their shared national identity.