Relief For Sifuna-Led Faction As Tribunal Issues Temporary Party Name Protection
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi faction have secured a temporary win over the movement name after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal issued preliminary orders, allowing the faction to reserve the wording “Mwananchi Party”.
The ruling made on Tuesday, August 25, after a day-long battle, allowed the faction to reserve and register the Linda Mwananchi name pending the outcome of the case.
In the orders issued during a virtual proceeding, the Tribunal also barred the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) from considering, processing, reserving or registering the name Linda Mwananchi, or any similar variation, for another person or entity pending determination of the appeal.
The orders offer temporary relief to the Sifuna-led faction as the dispute over ownership and identity of the Linda brand continues.
At the same time, the Tribunal also allowed the reservation and registration of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA)Party to continue pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Both parties maintained that they had complied with the requirements of the ORPP and were legally entitled to the Linda identity.
According to LINDA party officials, the party had begun its registration process in 2024 and had mobilised support across the country.
“The Registrar of Political Parties, having confirmed that our client complied with every other thing, requested that they provide just a single set of documents, which they have since provided, this request was made on August 14, which they have since provided, and the only thing that is waiting is the issuance of the registration certificate,” stated the party’s advocate.
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They accused the Sifuna-led faction of using a name, symbols, and identity that they claim belong to their political party to confuse their supporters nationwide.
They said they were prepared to pursue legal action to protect the party’s interests should the dispute continue.
However, Sifuna argued that they were not fighting the registration of Linda Mwananchi as a party but were instead protecting the brand name.
“What we are fighting for is not a party. We have parties. We are fighting for our brand, our name,” Sifuna said.
The dispute comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Sifuna seeking to establish Linda Mwananchi’s identity as a political party.
The matter is scheduled to resume before the Tribunal on September 14, 2026.
Relief For Sifuna-Led Faction As Tribunal Issues Temporary Party Name Protection
