Kenyan Senator Edwin Sifuna is under pressure to secure a party for his 2027 presidential bid. His team is currently at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), contesting a decision to reserve the name "Linda" for another party. Sifuna's camp is also seeking to change the name of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to the Ukombozi People's Party (UPP), but the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has rejected the request.
Some opposition leaders are reportedly pushing for Sifuna to be Kalonzo Musyoka's running mate in the 2027 elections. However, within the Linda Mwananchi movement, there are leaders with different political plans, threatening the unity of the movement. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has registered The Mwananchi Party (TMP), while Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has left to form the People's Renaissance Movement (PRM).
Sifuna has also clashed with Musyoka after the latter reserved the name The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) through the ORPP. The ORPP rejected Sifuna's request to change the UDP name to UPP, citing similarities with TUA. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the October 15 deadline set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not mean Sifuna must have a party by then.
Osotsi stated that the critical date is February 2027, when candidates must have been members of a party for at least six months before the election. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said Sifuna's team has agreed on a party, which will be launched on October 3. Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka said preparations for the launch are underway and denied claims that Sifuna will be Musyoka's running mate.
Wamboka also said talks are ongoing with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, about possible collaboration. Funyula MP Oundo Midenyo said despite failing to secure the Ukombozi name, Linda Mwananchi will proceed with its plans, and Sifuna will remain its presidential candidate.
Midenyo stated that a new party will be launched with a logo and colors associated with Linda Mwananchi. The developments come as Sifuna navigates internal conflicts within the Linda Mwananchi movement and pressure from opposition leaders.
The situation remains uncertain, with various stakeholders vying for influence and Sifuna's team working to secure a party for his presidential bid. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the 2027 elections in Kenya.
Key points
- Sifuna's team is contesting a decision to reserve the name "Linda" for another party at the PPDT.
- Some opposition leaders are pushing for Sifuna to be Kalonzo Musyoka's running mate in the 2027 elections.
- Sifuna's camp is seeking to change the UDP name to UPP, but the ORPP has rejected the request.
