ORPP Announces Next Steps After Court Order on Linda Mwananchi Registration

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has outlined the steps it will take following a ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) concerning the reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).

In a ruling on Wednesday, September 30, the Tribunal directed the Registrar to reconsider an application by the appellants seeking reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement and its abbreviation LMM after setting aside the earlier decision that had declined the request.

The PPDT found that the decision contained in the Registrar's letter dated August 7 declining to reserve the name or the variations submitted by the appellants, lacked legal justification and was contrary to provisions of the Political Parties Act and the Constitution.

It consequently ordered the Registrar to reconsider the application in accordance with the law and the findings contained in the judgment, with the decision required within seven days of the date of the judgment.

The Tribunal also ordered that each party bear its own costs, while prayers in the appeal that were not specifically granted were declined.

In an update on Friday, October 2, the ORPP acknowledged the public feedback surrounding the matter and said it was taking note of the different views expressed through various platforms.

"We take note and appreciate the wide range of feedback through varied platforms on the Linda Mwananchi Movement particulars' reservation, which has been subject to PPDT consideration," the update read.

Following the Tribunal's directive, the Registrar said it will first analyse the court order concerning the Linda Mwananchi Movement before proceeding with the reconsideration process.

The Registrar will then reconsider the reservation of the party particulars based on the applicable legal provisions and the orders issued by the Tribunal.

The ORPP will thereafter communicate its feedback to the applicants within the seven-day period directed by the Court.

This comes days after the Registrar of Political Parties has officially certified the change of name of the Muungano Party (MP) to the Mwananchi Party (TMP). 

The change of name was approved through a special resolution of the party and subsequently sanctioned by the Registrar of Political Parties. 

As such, the new name was entered into the official Register.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 29, People's Renaissance Movement (PM) Party Leader Caleb Amisi congratulated The Mwananchi Party on receiving the certificate, describing the development as significant to Kenya’s multiparty democracy.

"Congratulations to The Mwananchi Party (TMP) on receiving its Certificate of Change of Name from ORPP, a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s multiparty democracy," he wrote.

Amisi also welcomed The Mwananchi Party into what he described as a journey focused on national rebirth, fresh leadership and political renewal, saying his party was ready to work with TMP towards change in Kenya.

"As the Party Leader of People's Renaissance Movement (PM), the newest freshly registered party in town, I welcome TMP into the journey for national rebirth, fresh leadership and meaningful political renewal as we work together towards the change we need in Kenya," he added.

Amisi further expressed his willingness to collaborate with The Mwananchi Party in areas where the two parties have mutual interests, particularly in advancing their respective ideological foundations.

"We look forward to meaningful collaboration in areas of mutual interest in the advancement of our respective ideological foundations," he further said.