The Linda Mwananchi Movement has cleared a major hurdle after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal directed the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to proceed with the reservation of the party’s name.
The tribunal overturned the registrar’s earlier decision rejecting an application to reserve the name, ruling that there was no lawful basis for the refusal.
It also found that an earlier reservation of the name Linda by another political outfit had lapsed and could not be used to block the new application.
The tribunal directed the ORPP to reconsider the application and take the necessary action within seven days.
The Registrar has since said the office is reviewing the tribunal’s decision and will proceed in accordance with the law before communicating its position to the applicants.
The development is significant for the political movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which has been seeking to establish itself under the Linda Mwananchi name.
However, the tribunal’s decision does not amount to full registration of Linda Mwananchi as a political party. The movement will still be required to meet the statutory requirements for registration before it can operate as a fully registered political party.
The decision comes as political parties and emerging political movements intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with the registration and compliance process expected to become increasingly important ahead of the polls.
