The Mwananchi Party, led by Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, has responded to criticism regarding its formation and registration timelines. According to the party, its creation and recognition by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) occurred before the formation of Linda Mwananchi. On August 4, 2026, principals of the Linda Mwananchi Movement visited the ORPP to seek clarification on the registration process status of the recognition of Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process, concurrently with the registration and recognition of the Mwananchi Party.
The Mwananchi Party stated that its name was officially changed from Muungano Party on September 10, 2026. The party emphasized the importance of understanding the events surrounding its formation within their proper chronology. This clarification comes after the Linda Mwananchi Movement was denied official recognition by the ORPP due to the existing name being awarded to the Mwananchi Party.
Babu Owino previously addressed the criticism, tracing his decision to establish his party back to February 10, 2025. At that time, ODM leaders gathered at Bomas of Kenya for an event he initially believed was a prayer meeting for the late then-party leader Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position. However, he was surprised to find Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja being endorsed for a second term by ODM leaders during the gathering.
According to Babu Owino, this event led him to decide to form his own political party, as he knew that ODM would never give him a chance to contest as Governor of Nairobi. He subsequently made three unsuccessful attempts to register a political party before securing registration on his fourth attempt. Babu claimed that he managed to get a party early this year, long before Linda Mwananchi came into being.
The Mwananchi Party's registration and recognition by the ORPP have been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the timelines of its formation. The party's clarification aims to address these concerns and provide a clear understanding of the events surrounding its creation. Babu Owino's statement highlights the importance of verifying information before making accusations.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement's denial of official recognition by the ORPP has also sparked debate, with some questioning the ORPP's decision-making process. The controversy surrounding the Mwananchi Party's registration and recognition has sparked a heated debate in the Kenyan political scene.
The Mwananchi Party's defense of its registration timelines has shed light on the complexities of Kenya's political party registration process. The party's experience serves as an example of the challenges faced by politicians and parties in navigating the country's electoral laws and regulations.
Key points
- The Mwananchi Party was officially recognized by the ORPP before the formation of Linda Mwananchi.
- Babu Owino decided to form his own party after being surprised by ODM leaders' endorsement of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for a second term.
- The Mwananchi Party's name was officially changed from Muungano Party on September 10, 2026.
