The Linda Mwananchi movement has expressed confidence that its proposed name will be approved following talks with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties over an earlier decision rejecting its registration.
Movement spokesperson Caroli Omondi said the group met officials from the Registrar’s office to formally request a review of the decision, which had been made on public interest grounds.
Speaking after the meeting, Omondi said the movement presented its arguments challenging the basis upon which the proposed name had been declined.
“We sought a review of the earlier decision rejecting the name Linda Mwananchi on public interest grounds,” Omondi said.
He said the movement’s representatives maintained that the rejection was not supported by the provisions of Section 8 of the Political Parties Act, which outlines the circumstances under which the Registrar may decline to register the name, symbol or slogan of a political party.
According to Omondi, the movement believes its proposed name does not violate any of the restrictions provided for under the law.
“Our position is that there is no legal basis under Section 8 of the Political Parties Act for the Registrar to refuse the registration of the name,” he said.
Omondi described the engagement with the Registrar’s office as cordial and constructive, saying both sides had an opportunity to discuss the issues raised during the registration process.
He said the Registrar had agreed to reconsider the matter and communicate a final decision before the end of the week.
“The discussions were cordial and constructive, and the Registrar agreed to review the decision. We expect to receive the final communication before the end of the week,” Omondi said.
The development marks a significant step for Linda Mwananchi as it seeks to formalize its political activities ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Under the Political Parties Act, groups seeking recognition as political parties are required to reserve a name before proceeding with provisional registration and meeting further legal and organizational requirements.
The Registrar may reject a proposed name where it resembles that of an existing political party, is considered obscene or offensive, promotes hatred, or is otherwise inconsistent with the Constitution and other laws.
Omondi said the movement was ready to proceed with the remaining registration requirements should the proposed name be approved.
“We are confident that once the name is cleared, we will move quickly to complete the remaining legal processes within the stipulated timelines,” he said.
The movement did not disclose what course of action it would take should the Registrar uphold the earlier decision. However, Omondi maintained that the team remained optimistic about the outcome of the review.
The ORPP’s decision will determine whether Linda Mwananchi can continue using the proposed name as it works towards establishing itself as a formal political outfit.
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