Linda Mwananchi Movement: Registrar Takes Key Step in Sifuna’s Party Rebrand

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is a step closer toward solidifying his political footprint ahead of the 2027 General Election after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties officially initiated the process to rename The Equitable Party (TEP) to the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).

In a letter addressed to the party leadership, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou confirmed that his office received and reviewed key documents from TEP seeking approval for the proposed name change.

These documents included a notice and signed attendance list from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on October 8, 2026, alongside a formal resolution approving the new name. The party also submitted the statutory Form PP.10 alongside evidence of public notices published in the Daily Nation newspaper on October 10 and on its official website.

“Upon review of the documents, this Office has initiated the process of gazettement of the proposed change of party name in accordance with Section 20 (1) (d) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D,” Lorionokou stated in the letter.

Statutory Steps and Public Consultation

While the move represents significant progress toward the formal adoption of the Linda Mwananchi Movement identity, the Registrar’s communication clarifies that the change remains pending final approval.

Under statutory procedures, the party must observe a mandatory 14-day public notice period starting from the date of the newspaper publication. During this window, members of the public can submit objections or representations regarding the proposed name change.

The Registrar directed TEP to report any feedback from the public and explain how the party intends to address concerns raised during this period.

“Following the expiry of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of the change of name in the newspaper, the party is requested to apprise this Office of representations received from the public, if any, regarding the proposed change of party name and the manner in which such representations have been addressed,” the letter stated.

Section 20(4) of Kenya’s Political Parties Act strictly governs this requirement to ensure public accountability and transparency in political party operations.

This political rebranding comes at a strategic moment as Kenyan politicians align themselves ahead of the upcoming 2027 polls. Securing a formal party identity under the Linda Mwananchi Movement name will give Sifuna’s team a distinct legal and political platform for future electoral contests.

However, the complete transition hinges on strict compliance with legal procedures, including official gazettement and thorough evaluation of public feedback, before the Registrar finalizes the name change.

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