Ruto Steps Up Attacks on Sifuna, Dismisses TEP as ‘Empty Party’

NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has ramped up his attacks on opposition Senator Edwin Sifuna, dismissing his new political party as "empty." During a tour of West Pokot County, Ruto mocked Sifuna's leadership, claiming it lacked a meaningful agenda to present to Kenyans. "Mr. Empty went and launched a party called The Empty Party.

From there, he went straight to a bar," the President said, referencing Sifuna's alleged presence at a bar with Kofi Olomide. Ruto questioned Sifuna's ability to offer Kenyans an alternative to the incumbent government. "I don't know what... Jack something, John Natembeya... I don't know who..." he remarked, inquiring about the party's leadership.

The President also criticized Sifuna for allegedly asking women to contribute KSh10 towards political activities, calling it "alcohol." Ruto accused Sifuna and his party of insulting Kenyans' intelligence. Sifuna, however, launched The Equitable Party (TEP) on October 3 as a platform to address Kenya's issues of inequality, corruption, tribalism, and weak adherence to national values.

The Senator, who previously served as ODM Secretary-General for over a decade, announced that the party would rebrand as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, with himself as its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.