Linda Mwananchi leaders resolve to sue over party registration

The political movement says it will challenge the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to reject its application, while preparing for a fresh round of nationwide mobilisation.

Leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement have resolved to move to court after the Registrar of Political Parties declined to register the group’s proposed political party, citing the existence of another party with a similar name.

The decision was reached during a closely guarded two-day strategy retreat attended by key figures associated with the movement. Brian Weke, a member of the group, said the leaders believed they had built significant public recognition around the Linda Mwananchi name and should be allowed to formalise it as a political party.

“Everyone knows we have painfully marketed Linda Mwananchi for several months. It is our brand. We should be allowed to register it,” Weke said, adding that legal proceedings would begin this week.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi confirmed the decision, saying the group would challenge what he described as the registrar's refusal to recognise the name despite an earlier reservation. He said the movement had requested details of the party allegedly holding the name but had not received them.

The dispute over registration comes as Linda Mwananchi, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and a number of opposition politicians, seeks to transform its growing grassroots campaign into a more structured political vehicle ahead of Kenya's 2027 elections.

Sifuna has suggested that the movement could explore alternatives if its preferred name cannot be secured. Speaking at the burial of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale's wife on Friday, he sought to reassure supporters that the political project would continue regardless of the name under which it eventually operates.

From rallies to political organisation

The retreat also focused on how the movement can move beyond public rallies and develop a clearer political message.

A technical team working with the leaders presented findings on some of the issues it believes are driving public discontent, including taxation, the rising cost of living and alleged police excesses. The team has also been tasked with developing proposed solutions, according to an MP linked to the movement.

The findings are expected to shape the group's messaging in the coming months, as its leaders seek to counter criticism that the movement has mobilised public anger without presenting a detailed alternative policy agenda.

The leaders also reviewed the movement's recent rallies and discussed security and organisational challenges following disruptions at some events, including its August 16 gathering in Homa Bay.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka had previously said the leadership needed to assess what happened in Homa Bay, identify weaknesses and determine how the movement should respond.

Building a nationwide base

Linda Mwananchi has expanded its footprint significantly since launching its campaign in Busia on February 8. According to the movement, it has since held engagements across at least 16 counties, including 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, where political tensions and disruptions overshadowed parts of the gathering.

The movement is now preparing for another rally in Meru, while planning a series of meetings in Nairobi constituencies aimed at strengthening its grassroots network in the capital.

The strategy marks a potentially important shift for Linda Mwananchi. What began largely as a public mobilisation campaign is increasingly taking the shape of an organised political movement — with leaders now working simultaneously on a party structure, policy platform, national networks and electoral strategy.

For Sifuna and his allies, however, the immediate test is whether they can turn the momentum generated by their rallies into a sustainable political organisation, while overcoming the legal hurdle surrounding the Linda Mwananchi name.