Jubilee Moves to Block UDA From Using 'Mbele Pamoja' in New Slogan

Jubilee Party has lodged a formal complaint with the Registrar of Political Parties seeking to stop the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from incorporating the expression 'Mbele Pamoja' into its newly announced political slogan.

In a letter dated Thursday, November 5, and addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta raised concerns over UDA’s adoption of the phrase in its new slogan, 'Usawa ni Sawa - Mbele Pamoja'.

Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.

"Jubilee Party hereby formally lodges a complaint with your office concerning the adoption and intended use of its registered political slogan, 'MBELE PAMOJA,' by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as part of the latter's newly announced political slogan, 'Usawa ni Sawa - Mbele Pamoja'," the letter read.

Jubilee argued that UDA’s decision raised legal and regulatory questions because the expression was already officially registered and recognised as its political slogan in records maintained by the Registrar of Political Parties.

"This development raises serious legal and regulatory concerns, particularly given that the expression in question is already officially registered and recognized as the slogan of Jubilee Party in the records maintained by your office," the letter added.

Jubilee further argued that political slogans were recognised elements of a party's registered identity under Kenya's legal framework and should not be treated as ordinary political catchphrases that could be adopted without regard to existing registration.

"These provisions demonstrate that a political party's slogan is not merely an informal political catchphrase. It is a recognized element of its registered identity within the statutory framework governing political parties in Kenya," the letter further read.

Jubilee maintained that it had an established interest in the expression, which it said had formed part of its political identity and engagement with Kenyans over time.

"Jubilee Party wishes to place on record that "Mbele Pamoja" is its officially registered political slogan, as reflected in the register of fully registered political parties maintained and published by your office," the letter noted.

Jubilee said it had consistently used the slogan in its political messaging, public engagements and organisational activities, making it an integral part of how it identified itself to the electorate. 

It warned that UDA's incorporation of the same expression into its official political slogan could amount to the appropriation of an established political identifier belonging to another registered party.

"The Party has consistently identified itself with this slogan, which has formed an integral part of its political messaging, public engagements, organizational identity and engagement with the electorate.

"Its adoption and continued use by another registered political party, particularly in circumstances where it is being incorporated into that party's official political slogan, creates a legitimate concern regarding the appropriation of an established political identifier," the letter read.

In its request for regulatory intervention, Jubilee asked the Registrar to verify and formally confirm the registration status of 'Mbele Pamoja' as its official slogan, including providing the relevant particulars contained in the official register.

The party also sought a formal notice directing UDA to stop using, adopting, publishing or incorporating the expression into its official political slogan pending the determination of the complaint and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Jubilee asked the Registrar to take appropriate administrative and regulatory measures to protect the integrity of the political parties register and prevent a compromise of its registered political identity through the adoption of an identical slogan by another party.

The party also requested a written determination of the complaint, detailing the action taken by the Registrar and the legal basis for the decision.

This comes days after Jubilee disowned offices operating in Juja and Mugutha areas of Kiambu County, warning members and the public against conducting official party business through the premises.

In a statement on Monday, November 2, the party clarified that its gazetted National Headquarters was located at Daraja House along State House Road in Nairobi, adding that it operated more than 30 officially established branch offices across the country.

"The Jubilee Party wishes to inform its members and the general public that its gazetted National Headquarters is situated at Daraja House, along State House Road, Nairobi. 

"The Party has over 30 officially established branch offices across various counties, in addition to several duly sanctioned sub-county offices across the country," the statement read 

The party identified Kiambu Town and Gatundu Town as the only locations where it officially operated offices within Kiambu County, distancing itself from any premises purporting to represent it in Juja and Mugutha.

"Consequently, the Party wishes to categorically clarify that it does not have any officially recognised or authorised office in Juja or Mugutha, Kiambu County," the the statement added.

Jubilee cautioned that it would not take responsibility for any dealings conducted by individuals operating from the said premises while claiming to represent the party.

"Accordingly, the Party shall not be held responsible or liable for any activities, representations, undertakings, financial transactions, or commitments made by individuals operating from the said premises in the name of the Jubilee Party," the statement further read.