Sifuna gets green light to pursue Linda Mwananchi party registration
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has secured a major legal victory in the fight over the Linda Mwananchi political identity after a tribunal quashed the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision blocking reservation of the name.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal found that the rival Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) was neither provisionally nor fully registered and that its reservation of the name made on November 15, 2024, had lapsed after the 90 days, leaving the name available for use by another party.
“We find that the reservation of Liberty National Democratic Alliance, LINDA, automatically lapsed by operation of law, and therefore, no administrative act or decision by the Registrar can breathe life into it,” the Tribunal said.
“We therefore find that the respondent (Registrar) could not revive the LINDA reservation by its letter dated August 14, 2026, the reservation having lapsed by operation of law,” it added.
The dispute arose after the Registrar rejected an application by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, political activist Pauline Njoroge and former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) as a political outfit. The three are Mr Sifuna’s allies in the movement.
They challenged the August 7 decision, arguing that Linda Mwananchi Movement was distinct from Liberty National Democratic Alliance and should not have been blocked because of LINDA.
Chaired by lawyer Gad Gathu, the tribunal set aside the August 7 decision and directed the Registrar to reconsider the reservation application within seven days.
The order sends Mr Sifuna’s team’s application back to the Registrar but does not itself register a political party.
The Tribunal also rejected an attempt to challenge the appellants’ capacity to file the appeal, finding that there was no requirement to disclose promoters at the reservation stage.
It said Section 4B of the Political Parties Act allows an association or organisation to apply for reservation, while disclosure of promoters arises at the registration stage.
On LINDA’s participation in the case, the Tribunal found that the entity had no legal capacity to sue because it had not been fully registered. It relied on LINDA’s own admission that it had not completed the registration process.
“We find that Liberty National Democratic Alliance is neither a provisionally nor a fully registered party,” the Tribunal said, adding that the law gives only a fully registered party the capacity to sue and be sued.
It therefore struck out all pleadings filed by LINDA, holding that the entity lacked the legal capacity to participate in the proceedings.
The dispute centred on the Registrar’s June 11, 2026 letter rejecting the name “Linda Mwananchi” on public-interest grounds, followed by the August 7 decision, which cited LINDA as the basis for blocking the reservation.
The Tribunal found that the Registrar had not explained the public-interest considerations relied upon in rejecting the name.
It compared Liberty National Democratic Alliance with Linda Mwananchi Movement and found that the two names shared no common word and were visually, phonetically and conceptually different.
The Tribunal noted that “Linda” is a Kiswahili word with an independent meaning, while LINDA is an acronym formed from Liberty National Democratic Alliance.
The panel found no likelihood of confusion and rejected the argument that LINDA had exclusive rights over the word “Linda”.
The Tribunal also considered the Registrar’s treatment of parties sharing words such as “Liberty”, “National”, “Democratic” and “Alliance”.
It found that the Registrar’s refusal to reserve Linda Mwananchi while allowing other parties with closely similar names was inconsistent with established practice.
The Tribunal said the inconsistency offended constitutional guarantees of equality and fair administrative action.
The panel also considered a list of 25 registered and provisionally registered political parties presented by the appellants to show that several parties already shared words such as “Liberty”, “National”, “Democratic” and “Alliance”.
It found no basis for treating Linda Mwananchi Movement as confusingly similar to LINDA.
The Tribunal further found that the Registrar’s decisions of June 11 and August 7, 2026 were not justified under the Political Parties Act.
It declared the August 7 decision unlawful, set it aside and ordered the Registrar to reconsider the reservation application within seven days.
On LINDA’s name reservation, the Tribunal found that the November 15, 2024 reservation was subject to a 90-day period within which the applicant was required to apply for provisional registration.
It found no Form PP1, the formal application for provisional registration, filed within that period.
The Registrar confirmed that no formal application had been made in the required form. A February 4, 2025 letter from LINDA supplying documents did not satisfy the requirement.
The Tribunal also considered an August 14, 2026 letter in which the Registrar asked LINDA to submit a formal application for provisional registration.
It said the letter confirmed that the required application had not been made within the reservation period.
“We find that the reservation of Liberty National Democratic Alliance, LINDA, automatically lapsed by operation of law, and therefore, no administrative act or decision by the Registrar can breathe life into it,” the Tribunal said.
It added that the lapsed reservation could not prevent another applicant from seeking the name, meaning LINDA retained no priority or enforceable interest arising from the expired reservation.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.