Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has attributed the formation of separate parties linked to some members of the Linda Mwananchi movement to delays by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties in registering the movement's preferred party name. In an interview on NTV, Onyonka stated that the movement had spent months trying to secure its preferred party name. He argued that the emergence of separate parties was a consequence of the registration dispute rather than a rush to establish competing political vehicles.
According to Onyonka, the registration process had taken "pretty close to seven months", making it difficult for the movement to establish a formal political structure. Despite the challenges, Linda Mwananchi already has a network of 34 county chairpersons and other grassroots structures that could support the movement once it secures a registered political party. Onyonka emphasized that there is already a team on the ground that has coordinated itself, but a registered political party is needed.
Onyonka stated that alternative parties formed by members could eventually be brought together under one political vehicle after the movement settles on its preferred structure. He mentioned that if any of the alternative parties can get registered, the movement can use that registration to make it part of Linda. This, he believes, will help to unify the movement under a single political vehicle.
The Senator also revealed that leaders are expected to determine which party will be adopted, who will serve as interim officials, and how the movement will organize itself ahead of the 2027 General Election. A planned retreat after the Jacaranda rally is expected to help resolve some of these questions. The movement is currently awaiting a decision from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
The registration dispute is currently before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, after promoters of Linda Mwananchi challenged the Registrar's decision to reject their application to reserve the name. The applicants claimed that their June 4 application was initially rejected on "public interest" grounds before the Registrar reversed course following a meeting on August 4, only to withdraw the decision three days later.
The Tribunal has since concluded the hearing and is scheduled to deliver its decision on September 30, 2026, on whether the Registrar acted lawfully in rejecting the Linda Mwananchi registration bid. The Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, has denied refusing to register the party, saying the issue is before the Tribunal and that his office is awaiting the decision.
The delay in registering Linda Mwananchi has significant implications for the movement's participation in the 2027 General Election. With the deadline for registration looming, the movement's ability to participate in the election hangs in the balance. Onyonka's comments highlight the challenges faced by political movements in Kenya and the need for a more efficient registration process.
Key points
- Delays by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties have forced members of the Linda Mwananchi movement to explore alternative political parties.
- The movement has spent months trying to secure its preferred party name, which has led to the formation of separate parties linked to some of its members.
- The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal is set to deliver its decision on September 30, 2026, on whether the Registrar acted lawfully in rejecting the Linda Mwananchi registration bid.
