The Equitable Party (TEP), led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has claimed that its membership has surpassed one million less than 24 hours after the party was unveiled as Sifuna’s political vehicle for the 2027 General Election.
The party said the figure represents a sharp increase from the roughly 30,000 members it reported when TEP was launched in Nairobi on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
TEP attributed the reported surge to Kenyans who it said had resigned from other political parties and joined its ranks as the new outfit begins building its structures ahead of the 2027 polls.
"The ORPPKenya system may be struggling. The people are not," the party said in a statement.
TEP described the membership drive as rapid mobilisation rather than a gradual process, saying the reported increase reflected what it characterised as growing demand for a fairer political arrangement.
"This is not a slow build. This is a country deciding, in one day, that it wants a fairer deal," the party said.
TEP Membership Claim
The party urged Kenyans wishing to join its ranks to register by dialling *509#, selecting the option to join a political party and entering party code 100.
TEP also said registration could be completed through eCitizen or the Integrated Political Parties Management System (IPPMS).
According to the party, new members are initially issued registration numbers beginning with "TEP-XXXXXXXX". TEP said the numbers would later be changed to "LMM-XXXXXXXX" if the planned Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) rebranding process is completed.
Sifuna Unveiled as TEP Presidential Candidate
The membership claim comes a day after Sifuna was unveiled as TEP leader and presidential candidate during the party's launch in Nairobi.
Caroli Omondi, one of the principals associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, announced Sifuna as the formation's presidential candidate during the event.
"In this journey to deliver this change, we are going to be led by one, and I now want to declare here that this formation will be led by one presidential candidate, Edwin Watenya Sifuna; we shall be united in this course," Omondi said.
TEP has been adopted as the political vehicle of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which brings together several political leaders preparing for the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna has also announced plans to rebrand TEP as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although the party would retain its current identity if the rebranding process encounters further obstacles.
Proposed Linda Mwananchi Movement Rebranding
The proposed rebranding follows a recent political and legal process surrounding the Linda Mwananchi name.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal overturned an earlier decision rejecting the name's reservation, after which the Registrar of Political Parties approved its reservation for up to 90 days.
TEP has adopted the slogan “Tusawazishe,” meaning “Let us equalise”, and says its political message is centred on equal opportunity, equal dignity and a Kenya that works for the many rather than a few.
Sifuna Sets Out Political Agenda
At the launch, Sifuna pledged to lead the party with integrity and political decorum as he prepares to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
The Nairobi senator said TEP would promote people-centred leadership and change, arguing that citizens should have greater opportunities to participate in decisions affecting the country.
"We will listen before we speak, consult before we decide and explain policies and account for all our actions," Sifuna said.
Sifuna also said the movement belonged to its supporters rather than to him personally.
"I have no capacity on my own to create a movement; it belongs to all of you who have chosen the path of change," he said.
The senator acknowledged that the party would not immediately solve all of Kenya's problems but said it would provide a political platform through which citizens could raise concerns and seek solutions through democratic institutions.
"TEP does not come with a magic hand that will wipe away all our problems, but we intend to provide a platform through which these concerns can be heard through democratic institutions," Sifuna said.
TEP Outlines Economic Proposals
Sifuna also said the movement had assembled a team of experts to advise it on governance and economic policy.
Among the proposals he cited were measures to address what he called budgeted corruption and changes to taxes and levies, including the Housing Levy and VAT on fuel and electricity.
Sifuna said experts working with the movement believed such interventions could help ease the cost of living and address unemployment.
Those proposals remain part of the movement's political and economic agenda and are not established outcomes.
Political Leaders Back Sifuna’s Bid
Sifuna's presidential bid has received public backing from several political leaders, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, TEP now faces the task of converting its reported membership surge into formal party structures, verified membership and an organised national political campaign.
