Sifuna hints at new political vehicle as Linda Mwananchi faces registration hurdle

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has indicated that the Linda Mwananchi movement may abandon its name and join another political party if the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) prevents the registration of the movement ahead of the 2027 General Election. Sifuna made the remarks while addressing supporters, emphasizing that the identity of the party is less important than having credible leadership.

The ORPP initially rejected the Linda Mwananchi Party's application to reserve the name, citing concerns under the Political Parties Act. Following the approval of another party with a similar name, the dispute intensified, with Sifuna and his supporters seeking to register the movement under an alternative party name. Charles Wanyonyi, a third claimant to the name, accused the ORPP of reviewing his application without his consent.

With the deadline for political parties to submit their nomination rules approaching, the registration of the Linda Mwananchi movement has become crucial for Sifuna's camp to meet their compliance obligations before the 2027 General Election.