NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement have resolved to move to court after the Registrar of Political Parties declined their application to register a political party using the Linda Mwananchi name.
The decision was reached during a closely guarded two-day strategy retreat that ended on Sunday, as the opposition movement seeks to formalise its political structure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Brian Weke, a member of the movement, said the group would file a court case early this week to challenge the registrar’s decision.
“Everyone knows we have painfully marketed Linda Mwananchi for several months. It is our brand. We should be allowed to register it,” Weke said.
“Early this week, we are moving to court. That is the decision,” he added.
The move was also confirmed by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who said the registrar had rejected the registration bid on grounds that another political party had already been registered under the same name.
Osotsi disputed the explanation and accused the Registrar of Political Parties of acting improperly despite the movement having reserved the name earlier.
“We are going to court because the registrar has refused to register LINDA on grounds that another person has registered a party with the same name, which is not true,” Osotsi said.
He said the movement had sought details of the allegedly existing party but had not received them.
“We want to expose the mischief in that office. We have written to him to give us the particulars of the party he claims is registered as Linda, but he has refused,” Osotsi said.
Sifuna hints at alternative political vehicle
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who leads the movement, recently indicated that the group could explore alternatives if its preferred name cannot be registered.
“Honestly, some people think Sifuna doesn’t have a party? Let our supporters relax, a rose by any other name still sells,” Sifuna said during the burial of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s wife on Friday.
The statement suggested that the movement could retain its political identity even if it is ultimately forced to adopt a different registered party name.
Retreat reviews movement’s political strategy
The retreat was initially planned for Stoni Athi Hotel in Machakos before being moved to a hotel in Limuru.
Leaders received a progress report from a technical team comprising experts working on policy proposals covering different sectors.
An MP associated with the movement confirmed that the technical team had presented its findings to the leaders.
“Yes, we received the report. It is a big team comprising experts in different fields,” the MP said.
According to the MP, the team had identified several issues that the movement intends to make central to its political messaging, including high taxation, the rising cost of living and alleged police excesses.
The technical team also proposed measures it believes could address the challenges.
“The group not only identified them, but it also came up with measures to resolve them. Going forward, Kenyans are going to see different messaging. Ruto has been telling us we don’t have an agenda. He will be shocked,” the MP said.
The development comes after President William Ruto and his allies repeatedly accused opposition formations of lacking a clear policy alternative to the government.
Homa Bay chaos discussed
The leaders also reviewed the movement’s recent public engagements, including disruptions that occurred during its rally in Homa Bay on August 16.
The incident has become a significant point of discussion within the movement as leaders seek to strengthen security and refine their approach to future rallies.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka had earlier called for an assessment of what happened during the Homa Bay event.
“Where did we succeed? Where did we fail? What are the issues? Obviously, on top of the list is our discussion of the issues that happened in Homa Bay. How are we going to react to it? What is going to happen?” Onyonka said.
The retreat also focused on future rallies, grassroots mobilisation and strategies for responding to disruptions at political gatherings.
Osotsi said the meeting provided an opportunity for leaders to assess the movement’s progress and prepare for its next phase.
Linda Mwananchi expands grassroots campaign
Linda Mwananchi has already conducted political mobilisation activities across at least 16 counties since launching its campaign in Busia on February 8.
The movement has since visited Kajiado, Kakamega, Narok, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Vihiga, Kisumu, Machakos, Kiambu, Kisii, Taita Taveta, Trans Nzoia and Bungoma.
Its latest major rally was held in Homa Bay on August 16, where leaders encountered disruptions and chaos.
The movement is scheduled to hold a rally in Meru next weekend and plans to conduct meetings across Nairobi constituencies before then.
