Siaya Senator, James Orengo addresses the crowd during a Linda Mwananchi political rally
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct. 2 – The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) will give applicants feedback within seven days over the Linda Mwananchi name.
The move follows a Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) ruling that overturned the Registrar’s earlier decision to reject the name’s reservation. The ORPP said it is currently reviewing the Tribunal’s order and the applicable legal requirements.
The Registrar will reconsider the reservation of the proposed party particulars in line with the court order and relevant laws. The Office said applicants should receive feedback within the seven-day period directed by the Tribunal.
Tribunal Clears Path for Linda Mwananchi
The PPDT set aside the Registrar’s decision declining to reserve the Linda Mwananchi name. It found that the decision lacked legal justification and directed the Registrar to reconsider the application.
The dispute also involved the name Linda, which has been associated with the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA). The Tribunal found that the reservation linked to LINDA had lapsed after the required statutory period passed without a formal application for provisional registration.
The Tribunal further found that Linda and Linda Mwananchi were distinct names. It therefore rejected the argument that the two names were likely to cause confusion.
After reviewing the documents presented, the Tribunal said it had not found a formal provisional registration application from LINDA within the prescribed period. It also found that a letter relied upon by LINDA did not meet the legal threshold for such an application.
What Happens Next
The ORPP said its review will follow the Tribunal’s order and the legal framework governing political parties and party-name reservations.
The Office also said it continues to handle its mandate according to the rule of law. It added that its processes are conducted objectively and independently within the Constitution and relevant laws.
The Tribunal’s ruling gives the Linda Mwananchi applicants an opportunity to pursue reservation of the proposed name. However, reservation of a party name does not amount to full registration of a political party.
The development comes as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his allies continue organising around the Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement has already used the name during rallies and mobilisation activities.
Meanwhile, The Mwananchi Party is already listed among Kenya’s fully registered political parties by the ORPP.
