Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna speaks during the unveiling of his new political party on October 4, 2026 / ENOS TECHENairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has invoked the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying his supporters will continue pursuing the political journey he began despite his death.
Sifuna spoke on Sunday during the unveiling of the Equitable Party in Nairobi, where he reflected on Raila’s influence on the movement and the significance of launching the new political vehicle in October.
He noted that October would remain significant for the movement as the month in which Raila, whom he described as an icon and liberation hero, died.
“The month itself is deeply symbolic. October will forever remain etched in our memories as the month in which we lost our icon and liberation hero, the Rt Hon Raila Odinga,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna said the political journey associated with Raila remained incomplete but expressed confidence that those who remain would continue pursuing what he called the promised land.
“We are here because of him, and he has enabled us to scale the mountain and see the promised land. As he himself promised us, he may not get there with us, but we will surely reach the promised land,” he said.
Addressing Raila directly, Sifuna said the circumstances surrounding the registration of the new party made its launch particularly significant.
“Dear Baba, it can only be your spirit that allowed them to frustrate us all these long months and allow the registration of our party only in your month,” he said.
The senator then called for a moment of silence in honour of Raila.
Sifuna said the year since Raila’s death had also reminded his supporters that their political journey was far from complete.
“The one year since we lost our great leader has been a stark reminder that the journey is far from fulfilled,” he said.
He said the new political vehicle had become necessary after efforts to persuade their former political colleagues to change course failed.
“We tried our best to prevail upon our former comrades that the path they were on would lead to the party losing its very soul, but sadly we failed to persuade them,” Sifuna said.
He said the movement had consequently chosen to forge ahead, arguing that the challenges facing the country could not wait.
“The challenges of the nation have no expiry date,” he said.
Sifuna pointed to the struggles facing farmers, young people, small business owners and families dealing with the cost of education and healthcare as some of the issues the movement intends to address.
He also thanked the founders and former leadership of the Equitable Party for making the party available to the movement.
Sifuna acknowledged several leaders who had offered alternative political parties to accommodate the movement, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Caroli Omondi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The launch marked a new political chapter for Sifuna and his allies as they prepare for the 2027 General Election, while continuing to invoke Raila’s legacy as part of their political journey.
