Members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement have announced that the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, will reconsider his decision to reject their application to reserve the name of the political outfit.
Movement spokesperson Caroli Omondi said the group had engaged the Registrar over the matter and Lorionokou had promised to review the decision and provide feedback by the end of the week.
Omondi spoke to journalists at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) offices in Nairobi after the meeting, describing the engagement with Lorionokou as cordial.
“The registrar has told us he will review his decision and give us feedback at the end of the week,” Omondi said. “Once we have the name, everything will fall into place.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako accompanied Omondi.
The development comes after the Registrar rejected an application seeking reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK), citing similarities with other reserved names and slogans as well as public interest concerns.
In a letter to the applicants, Lorionokou cited Section 8 of the Political Parties Act, which sets out requirements governing the registration and reservation of political party names.
“Reference is made to your online application for the reservation of the following name: Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK). Your application has been considered by law, and the name has been rejected as it closely resembles an already reserved slogan, Linda Mkenya, Boresha Kenya, and public interest, hence against Section 8 of the Political Parties Act Cap 7D. Kindly resubmit other names for review,” Lorionokou said.
The rejection had raised uncertainty over the movement's plans to transform itself into a political party as it seeks to consolidate its growing political presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest engagement, however, could pave the way for the movement to retain its preferred name if the Registrar reverses his earlier decision.
Linda Mwananchi, associated with Sifuna, has increasingly gained visibility in opposition politics through a series of grassroots rallies and political engagements across the country.
The movement has expanded its activities beyond Nairobi, with its leaders seeking to establish a national network ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has positioned Linda Mwananchi as a platform for Kenyans dissatisfied with the political establishment, with the movement focusing on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, governance and accountability.
The movement's activities in Western Kenya have been particularly significant, with Sifuna holding rallies and meetings in the region in an effort to expand his political base and challenge established political structures.
