NAIROBI, Kenya – The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has initiated the process of gazetting the proposed change of name of The Equitable Party (TEP) to Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM), following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee.
In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Registrar of Political Parties and Chief Executive Officer J. C. Lorionokou confirmed receipt of documents submitted by TEP Secretary General on October 8, seeking approval for the proposed name change.
The documents included a notice of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on October 8, a signed attendance list, the committee’s resolution to change the party’s name, statutory Form PP.10 and evidence that the proposed change had been published in the Daily Nation newspaper on October 10 and on the party’s official website.
“Upon review of the documents, this Office has initiated the process of gazettement of the proposed change of party name in accordance with Section 20 (1) (d) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D,” Lorionokou stated.
Public Given Opportunity To Raise Objections
The ORPP has asked the party to report any representations received from members of the public regarding the proposed name change after the expiry of 14 days from the date of publication in the newspaper.
The party is also required to explain how any representations received have been addressed, in accordance with Section 20(4) of the Political Parties Act.
The requirement provides an opportunity for public concerns over the proposed change to be considered before the process proceeds.
Name Change Not Yet Finalised
The ORPP’s letter confirms that the gazettement process has been initiated, but it does not state that the proposed change has been fully completed.
The party’s proposed transition from The Equitable Party to Linda Mwananchi Movement will therefore remain subject to the applicable statutory process and consideration of any public representations.
The proposed name change comes amid heightened political activity ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with the Linda Mwananchi name increasingly associated with leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The ORPP has not, in the letter, provided a date for completion of the name-change process.
