'We're fighting for our brand, not a party!' Sifuna says over Linda Mwananchi name registration row

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has reiterated his determination to fight for the Linda Mwananchi Movement name amid a registration dispute with the Registrar of Political Parties.

Speaking in an address to young aspirants at Ufungamano House on Tuesday, Sifuna emphasised that the group was fighting to protect a brand identity that had resonated with ordinary Kenyans, rather than seeking to defend a particular political party.

“We took the Registrar to court because we do not believe he has any reason to deny us the name. But I want to be clear: what we are fighting for is not a party. We have parties. We are fighting for a brand, our name,” Sifuna stated.

The Senator accused President William Ruto of being behind the registration dispute but expressed confidence that the movement had alternative political vehicles available if its efforts to secure the name were unsuccessful.

“Somebody asked whether the party is ready. What we will do is that we have many options. Kasongo thinks he is dealing with children, but I said we are students of Raila Odinga, who had Plan A, B, C, D, E, F, G mpaka Z,” Sifuna stated.

He maintained that the group would continue pursuing the Linda Mwananchi name, arguing that considerable effort had gone into building its identity.

“Kwani tulilala class? Mkaeni mkijua chama ziko. Tunataka brand yetu because we have worked so hard to build it,” he stated.

Sifuna’s remarks come as the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal prepares to hear a case filed by the Sifuna-led faction challenging the decision to block the party's registration.

According to members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, the Registrar of Political Parties had initially agreed to reserve the name but later reversed the decision, citing the registration of another entity, the Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA.

The tribunal is expected to consider the competing claims over the LINDA name and identity as the dispute moves into the legal arena.