NAIROBI, Kenya — Members of the Linda Mwananchi faction have formally objected to an application seeking to register the movement as a political party, arguing that the move has been initiated by an individual with no affiliation to them.
Through their legal representatives, Henia Anzala & Associates, the group wrote to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties after reports emerged that one Charles Wanyonyi had applied to register “Linda Mwananchi” as a political party.
In their letter, the faction cited provisions of the Political Parties Act, noting that the Registrar is required to publish a notice in the Kenya Gazette and in at least two newspapers with nationwide circulation to invite public objections before approving any such application.
The group warned that approving the registration could expose members of the public to potential fraud.
“The political party is likely to use our clients’ names, images and goodwill to fraudulently get financing either from members of the public or other entities,” the letter read in part.
They urged the Registrar to reject the application, describing it as an attempt to exploit the movement’s identity and public profile.
Deepening ODM divisions
The dispute highlights widening internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where rival factions have emerged around competing political strategies.
The Linda Mwananchi faction has been associated with a “one term” political narrative and includes several senior party figures, among them:
- Edwin Sifuna
- Babu Owino
- James Orengo
- Godfrey Osotsi
- Richard Onyonka
- Caleb Amisi
Other allied lawmakers have also publicly aligned themselves with the faction during recent political rallies.
In contrast, a rival grouping known as Linda Ground, said to be aligned with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, has advocated for a broader political realignment and is reportedly pushing for cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Legal and political implications
Under Kenya’s Political Parties Act, the Registrar of Political Parties is mandated to assess applications for compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including name similarity, party symbols, and potential public confusion.
Also Read: ODM rift deepens as Sifuna faction eyes presidency, Oburu tells rebels to leave
Legal analysts note that disputes over party identity and branding have previously delayed registrations or resulted in litigation, particularly where political goodwill or established recognition is at stake.
The outcome of the current objection could influence not only the internal dynamics within ODM but also broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
Both factions have recently held parallel rallies across the country, underscoring the ideological and strategic divisions shaping opposition politics.
The Registrar has yet to issue a formal determination on the application.
