A fresh political storm is brewing over the contested use of the “Linda” name, after reports emerged that a rival outfit is seeking to register a party under the same banner while the Linda Mwananchi movement awaits approval.
Political strategist Pauline Njoroge has sharply criticised the development, accusing authorities of frustrating the registration of Linda Mwananchi while allowing a competing application to proceed.
“This administration is incompetent in every way. They could not even find a more convincing ‘LINDA PARTY’ owner,” Njoroge said in a strongly worded statement.
Her remarks come amid growing uncertainty over the fate of Linda Mwananchi, a political movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which is still under review by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
Njoroge questioned the rationale behind the competing application, arguing that the name “Linda” is not an acronym but a Kiswahili word with a clear meaning.
“And shouldn’t this particular party be abbreviated as ‘LNDA’? Besides, our LINDA is not even an abbreviation. It’s a Kiswahili word,” she added.
The dispute has exposed broader concerns about the registration process, with Njoroge accusing authorities of undermining public trust.
“These people should not insult the intelligence of Kenyans. Linda Mwananchi is our movement, and we will get our name,” she said.
She further dismissed explanations given for the delay in reserving the name, describing them as unconvincing.
“So, we will not buy flimsy excuses as to why the ORPP is refusing to reserve our name,” she stated.
The ORPP had initially rejected the Linda Mwananchi application, citing similarities with other reserved political names and concerns over public interest. However, the decision is currently under review, with a final determination expected soon.
At the same time, reports indicate that a separate group is attempting to register a party using the “Linda” name and similar branding, raising the prospect of a legal and political standoff.
Kenya’s political landscape has previously accommodated parties with closely related names, a precedent Njoroge referenced to bolster her argument.
With the 2027 general election cycle approaching, the outcome of the naming dispute could have significant implications for political alignments and branding strategies.
For now, attention remains fixed on the Registrar’s pending decision, which is expected to determine who ultimately lays claim to the “Linda” political identity.