Members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement have announced that the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), John Cox Lorionokou, has agreed to review the decision rejecting the group’s application to reserve its proposed political party name.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Registrar at the ORPP offices in Nairobi, the movement’s spokesperson Caroli Omondi said the discussions were constructive and that Lorionokou had committed to reconsidering the application before issuing a decision by the end of the week.
“The Registrar has assured us that he will review his decision and provide feedback at the end of the week,” Omondi said. “Once the name is approved, the rest of the process will move forward.”
Omondi was accompanied by several political leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako.
The review follows the Registrar’s earlier rejection of the movement’s request to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK), citing similarities with an already reserved slogan and concerns related to public interest.
In a letter addressed to the applicants, Lorionokou said the proposed name did not meet the requirements of Section 8 of the Political Parties Act, which governs the reservation and registration of political party names.
“Reference is made to your online application for the reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK). The application has been considered and rejected because the proposed name closely resembles an already reserved slogan, ‘Linda Mkenya, Boresha Kenya,’ and is contrary to public interest under Section 8 of the Political Parties Act Cap 7D. Kindly submit alternative names for consideration,” the letter stated.
The initial rejection had cast doubt on the movement’s plans to transition into a fully registered political party as it seeks to strengthen its political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, the Registrar’s decision to revisit the matter has renewed optimism among the movement’s leadership that the process could soon move forward.
