An attempt to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya for a new political outfit has been turned down by the Registrar of Political Parties, who ruled that the proposed name is too close to other slogans already protected under the law.
The application was filed by Charles Wanyonyi, who sought approval to reserve the party name before beginning the formal process of registering the political organisation.
However, the move sparked strong objections from individuals associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who said the attempt was not authorised and had no link to their activities.
The concerns were formally presented to the Registrar through lawyers from Henia Anzala & Associates, who asked the office to stop the reservation of the name. The lawyers pointed to media reports indicating that Wanyonyi had applied for the reservation and warned that the move could create confusion about who is behind the Linda Mwananchi movement.
In a written response to the applicant, Registrar John Cox Lorionokou explained that the request had been assessed in line with the law but could not be approved because of similarities with other slogans already set aside.
"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," said Lorionokou.
Members of the faction who opposed the application also reminded the Registrar of the legal steps that must be followed before a political party can be formally registered. They said the law requires the publication of a notice in the Kenya Gazette as well as in at least two newspapers with nationwide circulation so that the public can raise objections where necessary.
According to the group, skipping such steps could mislead citizens and weaken the credibility of the political system.
Their lawyers also raised concerns that the proposed party could misuse the identity and reputation of individuals linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“The political party is likely to use our clients’ names, images and goodwill to fraudulently get financing either from members of the public or other entities,” reads the letter in part.
The Linda Mwananchi faction operates from within ODM and has recently taken a firm stand on matters affecting the party. Members of the group have opposed the leadership of Senator Oburu Oginga and criticised the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto.
Several senior leaders are associated with the faction, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senators Edwin Sifuna, Godfrey Osotsi and Richard Onyonka. A number of members of the National Assembly have also been linked to the group, among them Babu Owino, Majimbo Kalasinga, Anthony Kibagendi, Caleb Amisi, Clive Gisairo, Obadiah Barongo, Wilberforce Oundo and Caroli Omondi.
Even as they objected to the move to create a party using the Linda Mwananchi name, leaders allied to the group said they are not planning to establish a separate political party.
Instead, the faction led by Sifuna says its goal is to push for stronger internal democracy within ODM and ensure the party remains responsive to its supporters.
With the rejection of the name reservation, the proposed Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya cannot proceed under the current name. The applicant has been asked to submit different options that comply with the requirements set out in the Political Parties Act.
