Mwananchi Party Explains Linda Name Change After Political Dispute
According to correspondence from the ORPP cited by the party, the formal change of name to The Mwananchi Party took effect on September 10, 2026.
The Mwananchi Party has clarified the circumstances surrounding its change of name from Linda Mwananchi, saying the process should be understood according to the official records held by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). Photo: Kenyans.co.ke.
By Robert Mutasi
The Mwananchi Party has clarified the circumstances surrounding its change of name from Linda Mwananchi, saying the process should be understood according to the official records held by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, the party said its principals visited the ORPP on August 4 to seek clarification on the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process.
The clarification comes amid a dispute involving different political groups over the use of the Linda name and the identity associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
According to correspondence from the ORPP cited by the party, the formal change of name to The Mwananchi Party took effect on September 10, 2026.
The ORPP’s current list of fully registered political parties also lists The Mwananchi Party, with the abbreviation MP.
The party said the change followed the publication of a Gazette Notice on August 28 inviting members of the public to submit representations on the proposed name change.
The Registrar also acknowledged an objection filed on August 30 concerning the proposed change from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party. The objection was later withdrawn on September 8 after the petitioner said the concerns raised had been addressed.
The Registrar subsequently informed the party that the change had taken effect under Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, according to the correspondence cited by the party.
The party said it released the documents to establish the chronology of events surrounding the name change.
The controversy has also involved officials of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA), who have disputed the use of the Linda name, symbols and identity by groups associated with Linda Mwananchi. The dispute has previously reached the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
The ORPP says political parties seeking to change their title, name, symbol or colours must submit the prescribed documentation to the Registrar under Section 20 of the Political Parties Act.
The Mwananchi Party’s latest statement therefore places its position on the name dispute within the formal registration record and the sequence of correspondence between the party and the ORPP.
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