Sifuna reveals real reason behind fight to register Linda Mwananchi

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has clarified that the opposition's legal dispute over registering the Linda Mwananchi name is not about gaining control of a new political party. Speaking on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), Sifuna emphasized that the opposition is fighting to protect its political identity and brand, not to form a separate party.

The opposition had sought the Registrar of Political Parties to register the Linda Mwananchi name, but their application was rejected. Sifuna accused the registrar of unfairly denying the movement the right to use the name, stating that the opposition has multiple political parties at their disposal and is prepared with alternative strategies.

He noted that Linda Mwananchi has become a powerful political brand through the efforts of its supporters, who have even lost their lives for the cause. The opposition intends to brand Linda Mwananchi under whichever party they choose. The Linda Mwananchi movement, a key opposition mobilization platform, includes leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa.

The coalition is pushing for the formal registration of Linda Mwananchi as a political party, but their application was denied. The opposition has also threatened to hold daily protests outside the Registrar of Political Parties' office if their bid to register the movement is not resolved. Senator Godfrey Osotsi, during a Linda Mwananchi Meet the People tour in Busia County, accused unnamed individuals of attempting to take over the movement's name.

He warned that supporters would hold daily meetings outside the ORPP offices if the matter wasn't resolved by Monday, August 10, 2026.