Equitable Party Rallies Youth and Reform-Minded Kenyans Amid Growing Momentum
The Equitable Party (TEP), a new political outfit gaining steady traction across the country, is stepping up its national outreach with a renewed call for Kenyans—especially the youth—to engage in politics differently. Party leader Dr. Gilbert Marava Shanga addressed the press in Mombasa, encouraging citizens to register with the party by dialing *509#, emphasizing simplicity and openness in political participation.
“We are party number 100 in the registrar of political parties. We welcome everyone—including young people and even those disillusioned by other parties—who believe it’s time to break away and chart a new path,” said Dr. Shanga.
Founded in 2022, TEP presents itself as a values-based movement with a clear platform: fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and social equity. With over 1,000 members and a presence in more than 30 counties, the party says it is preparing for a more active role in the country’s political future.
Dr. Shanga didn’t mince words when addressing Kenya’s recurring governance challenges. “Our agenda is rooted in transforming Kenya into a truly inclusive society—where your background doesn’t dictate your future,” he said. He highlighted economic fairness, electronic voting, and anti-corruption efforts as key areas the party wants to confront head-on.
He particularly championed electronic voting, calling it not just a technological shift, but a democratic necessity. “Imagine voting and having credible results within two hours—knowing the president, shaking hands, and getting back to work. It’s possible. It's necessary,” he said, underscoring the urgency to end the cycle of disputed elections.
TEP also advocates for comprehensive public debt audits, lower taxes for ordinary Kenyans, and robust local job creation. “We must know who borrowed what, for what purpose, and whether it benefited Kenyans. If it didn’t, then the responsible individuals—not taxpayers—should bear the cost,” Dr. Shanga added.
While TEP may still be in its formative stages, it has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Vihiga Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi defected from ODM to join TEP, citing frustration with mainstream politics. That same year, the party took on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in court after being denied full compliance status to participate in the general election.
Dr. Shanga insists TEP isn’t trying to imitate traditional political machines. “We are not just another political party—we are a movement. A movement for equity, truth, and transformation. We are calling on Kenyans to stop being spectators and become the change they desire,” he said.
Whether TEP will translate its grassroots efforts into national influence remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the party is planting seeds in a political landscape that, for many young and frustrated Kenyans, is desperately in need of new voices.
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