Sifuna scores win in Linda Mwananchi name war
The dispute comes as political formations position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the competing claims over the names raising questions about political branding, identity and ownership within Kenya’s multiparty political landscape.
The Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has allowed the reservation and registration of ‘The Mwananchi Party’ and the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) to proceed pending the hearing and determination of an appeal set for September 14, 2026.
The Tribunal, in preliminary orders issued during a virtual proceeding, also barred and restrained the Registrar of Political Parties from considering, processing, reserving or registering the name ‘Linda Mwananchi’, or any similar variation, for any other person or entity pending determination of the appeal.
The orders have escalated the ongoing dispute over the ownership and use of the Linda Mwananchi name, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led leaders insisting they are defending their political brand and identity rather than seeking to establish another political party.
Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi yesterday during a keynote address on youth participation in politics, Sifuna said the group had moved to court because it believed there was no justification for denying it the name.
“What we are fighting for is not a party. We have parties. We are fighting for a brand, our name,” Sifuna said.
The Tribunal also allowed the reservation and registration of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) to continue pending the determination of the case.
LINDA officials, led by party leader Phanesio Thuku, maintained that the LINDA name rightfully belongs to their political outfit.
The parties subsequently entered into a consent allowing the reservation and registration of both The Mwananchi Party and LINDA to continue pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
The matter will return before the Tribunal on September 14, 2026, at 2:30pm, when the appeal is scheduled to be heard.
