The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, led by Chairman Innocent Muganda, has prioritized a petition contesting the Registrar of Political Parties’ refusal to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).
Ordering a swift resolution, the panel instructed the Registrar to formally respond to the filing.
Petitioners Pauline Njoki Njoroge, Faith Odhiambo, and Michael Caroli Omondi submitted their name-reservation application on June 4, 2026. However, the Registrar turned down the request, citing “public interest” concerns.
According to the petitioners, the Registrar later agreed to reserve the name following a meeting held on August 4, 2026. However, three days later, the Registrar reversed the decision, citing the registration of another organisation, Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA.
The petitioners subsequently moved to the Tribunal, seeking orders barring the Registrar from considering, processing, reserving or registering the names “LINDA”, “LINDA MWANANCHI” or any other similar variation in favour of another person or organisation until the case is determined.
They argue that the Registrar’s decision violates and threatens their political rights guaranteed under Article 38 of the Constitution of Kenya.
The petitioners further claim that their digital platform, operating under the name Linda Mwananchi Movement, had attracted 55,592 self-registered members and more than 13,232 volunteers by August 13, 2026.
In its directions, the Tribunal ordered the Registrar to file and serve a response by August 24, while allowing the petitioners to file a supplementary affidavit by 11 a.m. on August 25.
The case is scheduled for an inter partes hearing on August 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., when both sides are expected to appear before the Tribunal.
