Plans by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to establish a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election have hit a setback after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejected a proposed rebranding of the United Democratic Party (UDP), according to The Star.
The Star and Capital FM reported that the ORPP declined UDP’s application to change its name to Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), citing Section 8(c) of the Political Parties Act.
The Registrar said the proposed name was too similar to The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), which had been reserved by another applicant on July 20, 2026. The provision bars political parties from adopting names, symbols, or slogans that closely resemble those of existing political parties or other registered legal entities.
The decision came as the Linda Mwananchi movement continued to debate the political vehicle it will use in the 2027 elections. Natembeya has backed the Ukombozi platform, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has advocated for his newly registered Mwananchi Party as an alternative.
The dispute over the name has become more complicated following Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition’s announcement on Monday, September 21, that it had adopted Ukombozi Alliance as its new name. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the decision had been reached unanimously by the coalition’s leadership.
The ORPP’s rejection, contained in a letter dated September 8, means UDP cannot currently adopt the proposed Ukombozi People’s Party identity. Sifuna and his allies have indicated that they have alternative political parties available and will announce their vehicle at the appropriate time.
The development comes ahead of key electoral deadlines, with parties required to complete various statutory processes as preparations for the 2027 election gather pace.
