Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has released an official ORPP letter explaining how The Mwananchi Party changed its name from Muungano Party.
Owino shared the document on Thursday, September 24, 2026, amid debate over the political vehicle linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
ORPP Confirms Name Change
According to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the name change took effect on September 10, 2026.
The Registrar’s letter followed a public notice published through Gazette Notice No. 13935 on August 28. The notice proposed changing the party’s name from Muungano Party (MP) to The Mwananchi Party (TMP).
Objection Was Later Withdrawn
The ORPP letter also records an objection filed on August 30. Lawrence Nzunga challenged the proposed party name change. However, Nzunga later withdrew his objection on September 8.
The Registrar said his withdrawal followed confirmation that his concerns had been addressed. Consequently, the ORPP confirmed that the name change had taken effect under the Political Parties Act.
What Happened to Linda Mwananchi?
The name-change debate comes as leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi discuss their political strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Owino said movement principals visited the ORPP on August 4 to clarify the availability of the Linda Mwananchi name. According to reports, the word “Linda” was unavailable because it had already been reserved by another political entity.
Mwananchi Party Linked to 2027 Plans
Owino has presented The Mwananchi Party as his political vehicle ahead of the 2027 elections. He has also maintained that his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna remains intact.
The two leaders, however, have been involved in discussions over which party should carry the wider Linda Mwananchi movement. Owino has proposed a coalition involving The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi People’s Party.
Party Begins Membership Drive
The Mwananchi Party has also launched a membership recruitment campaign. Prospective members can register through the ORPP’s *509# USSD platform using party code 050.
Owino claimed the party had attracted 98,365 members within three days of launching the recruitment drive. That figure is his stated membership figure, rather than an independently verified ORPP count.
The latest ORPP correspondence now provides an official timeline for the party’s transition from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party.
The development comes as political leaders continue positioning their parties and coalitions ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
