Editor's Review

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has addressed the discussion surrounding the Linda Mwananchi name and the formation of The Mwananchi Party.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has addressed the discussion surrounding the Linda Mwananchi name and the formation of The Mwananchi Party.

In an update on Thursday, September 24, the MP shared a letter from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) detailing the chronology of the party name change.

Owino said the Linda Mwananchi principals had previously approached the ORPP to seek clarification regarding the name, before the subsequent change was effected.

"Remember, the Linda Mwananchi principals went to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) on 4th August 2026 to seek clarification regarding the Linda Mwananchi name," he wrote.

According to the MP and the letter he shared, thee name change was subsequently effected on September 10, 2026.

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"We are sharing the letter so that everyone can see the official chronology of the name change," he added. 

The letter in question was addressed by Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou to the Secretary General of The Mwananchi Party (TMP).

It addressed the objection to the proposed change of party name from Muungano Party (MP) to The Mwananchi Party (TMP).

File image of the Registrar of Political Parties, John Lorionokou

The registrar explained that the objection was withdrawn after the concerns raised had been addressed.

"Further reference is made to a letter of objection dated 30th August 2026, received from Mr. Lawrence Nzunga, objecting to the proposed change of party name from Muungano Party (MP) to The Mwananchi Party (TMP).

"Mr. Nzunga subsequently withdrew his objection vide a letter dated 8th September 2026, confirming that his reservations had been addressed (copy enclosed)," the letter read in part.

As such, the ORPP confirmed that the change of name had officially taken effect under the Political Parties Act.

“In light of the foregoing, the Registrar hereby notifies the party that the change of name has taken effect, pursuant to Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D," the letter added.

Elsewhere, this comes days after Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku predicted divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement, arguing that cracks could emerge along the lines of the political parties represented in the coalition.

Speaking on Thursday, September 17, Manduku said the movement would face challenges arising from the different party structures of its members.

"We expect total breakup in Linda Mwananchi. The cracks will emerge along those registered party lines. Sifuna and Babu Owino were the future of ODM only if they remained in ODM," he said.

Manduku argued that leaving a political party could weaken a politician's ability to mount an effective campaign, citing the importance of established party structures and machinery.

He said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Owino had realised the significance of party machinery after leaving ODM.

"The mistake they made was to bolt out of our party but now they've understoond you cannot run a political campaign without a party machinery," he added.