Political scientist Prof Mutahi Ngunyi has issued a pointed warning to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following the launch of The Equitable Party (TEP), cautioning that a rapid rise in politics can be followed by an equally dramatic fall.
Ngunyi, in a message directed at Sifuna, suggested that the senator's growing national profile could expose him to forces determined to weaken his political influence.
“Dear Sifuna: Hint from the DEEP STATE. If you want to SHRINK someone, you must first EXPAND him. If you want to DESTROY someone, you must first make him FLOURISH,” Ngunyi said.
He argued that gaining political prominence was not necessarily the most difficult part of a political career, warning that maintaining influence at the highest level presented a greater challenge.
“GETTING to the TOP is not a problem. STAYING at the TOP is the Problem. Your political balloon will be POPPED. Soon!” he added.
Ngunyi's remarks came shortly after Sifuna unveiled TEP as his political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The launch brought together a number of politicians and political figures who have rallied behind Sifuna's emerging presidential bid. Among those present were Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Sifuna was presented as the party's leader and preferred presidential candidate, signalling his intention to build a national political platform outside his previous political arrangements.
TEP, however, is not a newly registered political party. It was registered in March 2022 and uses a weighing scale as its symbol, with “Tusawazishe” as its slogan.
Sifuna has also indicated that the political outfit could eventually be renamed the Linda Mwananchi Movement, depending on the outcome of ongoing political and administrative processes surrounding the name.
The senator has positioned the movement around issues including equality, accountability, economic opportunity and citizen participation.
His emergence as a potential presidential contender has also coincided with claims of rapidly expanding support.
Khalwale claimed that more than one million people had joined the party within hours of its launch, although the figure had not been independently verified.
Ngunyi's warning therefore places Sifuna's growing political momentum within a broader question about the sustainability of new political movements as Kenya approaches the 2027 election.