Gachagua congratulated Sifuna after he was unveiled as the leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“My cousin, Senator Edwin Sifuna, congratulations are in order on the launch of your political party today,” Gachagua said.
“Democracy must prevail.”
Gachagua then issued a pointed warning to those he said had tried to frustrate the political project.
“To those who thought they could stop an idea whose time had come, we are sorry. Your time is up!” he said.
Gachagua backs Sifuna’s national ambitions
Gachagua said the launch of The Equitable Party marked an important stage in Sifuna’s political journey.
“The launch of your political vehicle, The Equitable Party, marks the real beginning of your journey to national leadership,” he said.
He urged Sifuna to move quickly to establish the party across the country and identify candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I encourage you to move with speed to market your new party and identify strong aspirants in your stronghold,” Gachagua said.
He also called for candidates who, in his view, could challenge politicians aligned with President William Ruto.
“Get rid of Ruto sycophants and surrogates who have betrayed the electorate and the people of Kenya and our great nation,” Gachagua said.
The remarks came a day after Sifuna formally unveiled TEP as his political vehicle during a ceremony in Nairobi attended by several leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Gachagua calls on Sifuna supporters to join TEP
Gachagua further appealed to Kenyans supporting Sifuna’s presidential bid to join the new party and support its candidates.
“I appeal to all those who support the candidature of Senator Edwin Sifuna to join his new party and back aspirants for the various positions under the party,” he said.
The former Deputy President argued that strong political parties were necessary for Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
“Strong political parties are essential for the growth of our democracy as a country,” Gachagua said.
His call comes as Sifuna and his allies seek to build a political structure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
‘The journey to form the 6th Administration’
Gachagua linked Sifuna’s new political vehicle to the wider opposition effort ahead of the next General Election.
“I am very encouraged that the journey to form the 6th Administration is becoming more defined,” he said.
Gachagua said the opposition would require a majority in both Houses of Parliament to implement its legislative agenda.
“As we need a majority of Members of Parliament in the two Houses to prosecute our legislative agenda,” he said.
He accused the current administration of presiding over what he described as a crisis facing the country.
Gachagua said the objective was to “save our nation from collapse” under what he referred to as a “kleptomanic regime”.
The characterization was Gachagua’s political assessment of the government and was not independently established in his statement.
‘There will be no escape route’
Gachagua ended his message with another rallying statement directed at the current administration.
“There will be no escape route for this regime!” he said.
“It will be WANTAM and Round ONE!”
He also expressed enthusiasm about the opposition’s evolving political arrangements.
“Things are boiling very nicely!” Gachagua said.
What happens to The Equitable Party?
Sifuna’s launch of TEP came after months of uncertainty over the political vehicle that would carry his 2027 presidential ambitions.
TEP was registered in 2022 and has now been restructured to accommodate Sifuna and his allies. Party leader Gilbert Marava said the existing officials would remain as the party makes room for the new political team.
“On our end, we have decided to restructure, and in the process, those who registered will stay, and we will bring in our brothers,” Marava said.
Marava also confirmed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions under the party.
“Sifuna is going to run for president, and he will be the next leader of The Equitable Party,” he said.
However, TEP may not retain its current name for long.
Sifuna announced that the political outfit intends to rebrand The Equitable Party as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, following the movement’s success in securing reservation of the name.
“So, in the coming days, and as has been resolved by the principals of Linda Mwananchi, who you see here, we shall be seeking to rebrand this party, the Equitable Party, to the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna has also warned that if further obstacles prevent the rebranding, his team could proceed to the 2027 election using the TEP name.
TEP launch brings opposition leaders together
The launch brought together several leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement and the wider opposition.
Among those present were Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
The party's reported colours are green and yellow, while its slogan is “Tusawazishe” and its symbol features scales of justice.
The launch has added another political vehicle to the opposition landscape as parties and political movements position themselves for the 2027 General Election.
For Gachagua, however, the message was clear: he wants Sifuna’s new political vehicle to move quickly from its launch into grassroots mobilisation.
“Your time is up!” Gachagua declared.
And as he signed off his message, the former Deputy President added:
“Things are boiling very nicely!”
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