Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has publicly backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following the launch of his new political vehicle, the Equitable Party, describing the development as a significant step towards building the opposition’s legislative muscle ahead of the 2027 General Election. Rigathi Gachagua congratulated Edwin Sifuna for launching The Equitable Party. Gachagua addressed Sifuna directly in a statement posted on social media, opening with a notable personal reference before turning to political substance. “My cousin, Senator Edwin Sifuna, congratulations are in order on the launch of your political party today. Democracy must prevail. To those who thought they could stop an idea whose time had come, we are sorry. Your time is up!” Gachagua wrote. Gachagua calls for speed in party marketing The former deputy president urged Sifuna to move quickly to build the Equitable Party’s presence on the ground and recruit competitive candidates across its stronghold areas. His stated objective was to remove legislators he characterised as loyal to President William Ruto’s administration. “I encourage you to move with speed to market your new party and identify strong aspirants in your stronghold to get rid of Ruto sycophants and surrogates who have betrayed the electorate and the people of Kenya and our great nation,” Gachagua said.
He framed the push in terms of a broader opposition strategy, saying the goal was securing a parliamentary majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate in order to advance what he called a legislative agenda aimed at saving the country. “I am very encouraged that the journey to form the 6th Administration is becoming more defined, as we need a majority of Members of Parliament in the two Houses to prosecute our legislative agenda and save our nation from collapse under this kleptomanic regime so senseless,” he added.
Gachagua closed his remarks on a combative note, signalling that the current administration would face a unified opposition challenge with no room for compromise. “There will be no escape route for this regime! It will be WANTAM and Round ONE! Things are boiling very nicely!” he said. He also appealed directly to Sifuna’s supporters to enlist in the Equitable Party and back candidates across various elective positions, arguing that strong, independent political parties were essential to the health of Kenya’s democracy. Gachagua was removed from the Deputy Presidency following a successful impeachment motion in Parliament in October 2024, and has since positioned himself as a vocal critic of President Ruto’s government. Will Sifuna rebrand new party to Linda Mwananchi? Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna formally adopted The Equitable Party as the political vehicle for the Linda Mwananchi Movement, launching the new chapter in Nairobi on October 4, 2026. Sifuna announced the launch of a new political movement, the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM), a rebrand of The Equitable Party. He stated this was a necessary response to the ODM party’s takeover by “regressive forces” after the death of its leader, Raila Odinga, in October 2025. Sifuna explained that attempts to sway former party members had failed, necessitating a new direction. He credited Dr. Shanga, Dr. Eunice Juma, and outgoing chairperson Kari Karani for providing the Equitable Party as a platform for the rebrand.
