Registrar to review Linda Mwananchi party name after rejecting initial application

Members of the Linda Mwananchi movement are optimistic that the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, will reverse his decision to reject their application to reserve the name of their political outfit.

The optimism follows a consultative meeting between the movement's leaders and the Registrar after an earlier application to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK) was rejected over similarities with existing political party names and slogans, as well as public interest concerns.

As the Linda Mwananchi Movement intensifies efforts to transition from a grassroots political outfit into a fully registered political party ahead of the 2027 General Election, its leaders have renewed their push to secure approval for the reservation of the proposed party name.

Led by movement spokesperson and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, the delegation described the meeting as constructive, saying the Registrar had agreed to review the earlier decision and communicate his final determination by the end of the week.

"We had an extensive discussion. There is no reason to refuse the name Linda Mwananchi Movement. The Registrar has told us he will review his decision and give us feedback at the end of the week with his final decision on the matter," Omondi said.

The latest engagement follows an earlier setback after the Registrar rejected the movement's application to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya, arguing that it closely resembled already protected political party names and slogans.

"If you recall, we recently made an attempt, but the Registrar declined our application, saying the name had attracted a lot of public interest. However, we have agreed there is no reason to refuse to register the name," Omondi said.

Despite the setback, the movement said it remains confident that the issues raised by the Registrar can be resolved through consultations, paving the way for the reservation of the name and the eventual registration of the party.

"Kenyans should not be worried. Once the name is reserved, everything else will fall into place. We are confident the name will be reserved," Omondi added. 

The Linda Mwananchi Movement has recently emerged as one of the political formations attracting attention amid shifting opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As it steps up its nationwide mobilisation, the movement is also working to meet the legal requirements for registration under the Political Parties Act.

The Registrar's decision on the proposed name is expected to determine the movement's next course of action as it seeks to transition into a fully registered political party.