NAIROBI, Kenya- Siaya Governor James Orengo has backed the formation of the Linda Mwananchi political party following a favourable tribunal ruling for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s team, while calling for the opposition to unite behind one presidential candidate.
Orengo said the push for a new political vehicle was part of a broader effort to achieve political change through collective action.
“I support the struggle for change which cannot be achieved without unity and positive political action,” he said in a statement.
“We are participating in this journey with the launch of a political vehicle and remain committed to opposition unity and identification of one presidential candidate.”
His remarks follow the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal’s September 30 decision overturning the Registrar of Political Parties’ rejection of the proposed Linda Mwananchi Movement name.
The ruling cleared a hurdle in the Sifuna-led outfit’s pursuit of party registration.
Orengo reaffirms support
Orengo welcomed Linda Mwananchi’s progress and reaffirmed his commitment to the political project.
“We laud the Linda Mwanainchi success story and remain steadfast,” he said, ending his statement with the rallying phrase “Aluta continua”.
His statement placed the establishment of the party alongside a commitment to a common opposition presidential candidate. He did not name his preferred flagbearer or set out a selection process.
Tribunal overturns name rejection
According to Citizen Digital, the tribunal found that the Registrar had lacked legal justification for refusing to reserve the Linda Mwananchi name and directed that it be reserved within seven days.
The challenge was brought by Caroli Omondi, Pauline Njoroge and Faith Odhiambo, who identified themselves as founders of the proposed party.
The tribunal also struck out pleadings filed by the rival Liberty National Democratic Alliance, known as LINDA, finding that it was not fully registered and lacked the legal capacity to participate in the proceedings in its own name.
The tribunal found LINDA’s earlier name reservation had expired after the required application for provisional registration was not submitted within 90 days.
The tribunal also found the competing names were distinguishable.
The decision advances Linda Mwananchi’s registration bid. It does not, by itself, establish that the party has completed full registration.
