Linda Mwananchi leaders Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Caroli Omondi (Suba South) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East) address a press conference after meeting with the Registrar of Pollitical parties/ HANDOUTThe fate of Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Party is set to become clearer this week after the Registrar of Political Parties agreed to review its earlier decision.
The Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, had declined the registration of the proposed Linda Mwananchi Party citing ‘public interest’.
On Tuesday, Sifuna led a delegation of the movement's officials to the Registrar's offices for talks over the disputed application.
During the meeting, the parties agreed that the Registrar would reconsider the decision and communicate the verdict later this week.
Movement spokesperson Caroli Omondi (MP Suba South) said the they engaged the Registrar over the matter and that Lorionokou had promised to review the decision and provide feedback by the end of the week.
The Suba South MP 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.”
The Registrar had initially declined to register the party name saying it resembles already reserved slogans.
However, Sifuna's team argued that the proposed name complies with the law and should be approved.
The decision is expected to determine the movement's next political steps as it seeks to transform into a fully registered political party ahead of the 2027 general election.
If the application is approved, the outfit will proceed with the remaining legal requirements before receiving full registration.
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.
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 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 have been particularly significant, with Sifuna holding rallies and meetings in the region in an effort to expand his political base.
Also in the Tuesday meeting with the Registrar were Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi his Kisii counterpart Richard Onyonka, Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), and Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi).
Wamboka termed the push to have Linda Mwananchi key in the movement’s march to 2027.
“This marks significant step in our journey to build a people-centered movement founded on justice, accountability and servant leadership,” Wamboka stated.
Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, also a member of the team, termed the registration of the Linda Mwanachi Party a key step in entrenching multi-party democracy.
“Our message was clear. Kenya’s multi-party democracy must remain open, vibrant, and free for every voice and movement,” Barongo said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The decision is expected to determine the movement's next political steps as it seeks to transform into a fully registered political party ahead of the 2027 General Election. If the application is approved, the outfit will proceed with the remaining legal requirements before receiving full registration.
