‘Linda Mwananchi movement’ name row heads to political parties tribunal

The Tribunal, chaired by Innocent Muganda, directed that the matter be handled on an expedited basis and ordered the Registrar to respond to the application.

The applicants, Pauline Njoki Njoroge, Faith Odhiambo and Michael Caroli Omondi, say they applied on June 4, 2026, to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement but were initially turned down on grounds of “public interest”.

According to the applicants, the Registrar later agreed to reserve the name following a meeting on August 4, but reversed the decision three days later, citing the registration of another entity, Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA.

They have since moved to the Tribunal seeking orders stopping the Registrar from considering, processing, reserving or registering the name “LINDA”, “LINDA MWANANCHI” or any similar variation in favour of another person or entity pending determination of the case.

The applicants argue that the Registrar’s decision is contradictory and threatens their political rights under Article 38 of the Constitution.

They further claim that their digital platform, operating under the Linda Mwananchi Movement name, had attracted 55,592 self-subscribed members and more than 13,232 volunteers as of August 13.

The Tribunal has directed the Registrar to file and serve a response by August 24, with the applicants allowed to file a supplementary affidavit by 11am on August 25.

The case will be heard inter partes on August 25, 2026, at 2:30pm.