Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political camp has encountered a fresh challenge in its bid to rebrand The Equitable Party (TEP) as the Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA), commonly known as Linda Party, has lodged a formal objection with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), contesting the proposed adoption of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).
The objection adds another complication to efforts by Sifuna and his allies to establish a political vehicle for their 2027 ambitions.
Why LINDA Is Opposing the Name
In a submission dated October 18, LINDA founder and treasurer Purity Ndanu challenged the proposed rebranding, citing two unresolved matters before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
The cases identified in the objection are PPDTC/E020/2026 and PPDTA/E001/2026.
LINDA argues that proceeding with the proposed name change while the disputes remain unresolved would be premature and legally contested. The Registrar will have to consider the objection as part of the process; the objection itself does not establish that the proposed change has been rejected.
How Sifuna’s Party Reached This Stage
Sifuna was unveiled as the leader of The Equitable Party on October 4, 2026, when the party was launched ahead of the next General Election.
The party subsequently initiated a process to change its name to Linda Mwananchi Movement. In a letter dated October 13, the Registrar confirmed that the office had reviewed the supporting documents and commenced the formal gazettement process under Section 20(1)(d) of the Political Parties Act.
However, the process has attracted further scrutiny. The Standard reported on October 21 that parliamentary aspirant Ruto Festus had separately asked the Registrar to establish whether the proposed amendments complied with the party’s constitution, including whether the National Delegates Conference had approved changes requiring its approval.
The objections raise distinct questions: LINDA points to pending tribunal cases, while Festus questions compliance with internal party procedures.
What Happens Next?
The Registrar must consider the representations and applicable legal requirements before the proposed rebranding can be finalised.
The latest objection does not, by itself, mean Sifuna’s political outfit has lost the right to pursue the name. It does, however, leave the process facing further legal and procedural scrutiny.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the dispute over the party’s identity is another issue Sifuna’s camp will need to navigate as it seeks to formalise its political platform.
The key question is whether the proposed name change will clear the outstanding objections and satisfy the relevant legal requirements in time for the election campaign.
