Rival Group Blocks Linda Mwananchi Name Bid

The Liberty National Democratic Alliance, known as the LINDA Party, has petitioned the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to approve its own application instead, arguing that it holds an earlier and stronger claim. This development has injected fresh uncertainty into the movement’s long-running push for official recognition.

The challenge surfaced just one day after Linda Mwananchi leaders visited the registrar’s headquarters in Nairobi to press for faster processing of their documents. They accused officials of unexplained delays despite months of prior engagement and insisted their submission came first. Movement representatives have pledged to explore every available legal route to protect their identity and prevent any confusion among supporters who already associate the name with their cause.

In response, LINDA Party founder and leader Phenasio Thuku stated that his group’s registration process began in 2024 and has already secured approval for its proposed name, manifesto, ideology, constitution and nomination rules. “The LINDA Party, which stands for Liberty National Democratic Alliance, was founded back in 2024. That was a long time ago, and now we are here. We have been approved,” he declared outside the registrar’s offices. Thuku added that the party would soon hold an official launch and introduced the slogan “Linda the country, Linda Maisha the country,” emphasizing a focus on sovereignty, constitutionalism, human rights, liberty and the rule of law.

Thuku firmly rejected suggestions that his outfit was created merely to frustrate the Linda Mwananchi effort or that it received external sponsorship. “This is no one’s project. It is my own project,” he said, further insisting, “This party is not connected to any other Linda movement. We are the legitimate founders of the LINDA Party.” He maintained that the group remains on track for full registration and will continue sharing updates through media briefings at its Westlands headquarters.

Under the Political Parties Act, the registrar must carefully examine proposed names, symbols and constitutions while allowing objections where similarities risk public confusion. The current dispute therefore places the office in a delicate position as it weighs competing claims over the “LINDA” identity. How the matter is resolved will determine whether the Linda Mwananchi movement can proceed with its transformation into a registered party or whether the newer applicant secures the contested name first.