PPDT certifies suit over Registrar of Political Parties rejection of Linda Mwananchi Movement registration
PPDT certifies suit over Registrar of Political Parties rejection of Linda Mwananchi Movement registration
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has certified as urgent a dispute challenging the Registrar of Political Parties’ rejection of the proposed Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).
The case was set for hearing on August 25, 2026.
The complaint was filed by Suba South MP Michael Caroli Omondi, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, and Pauline Njoki Njoroge, who accuse the Registrar of issuing contradictory decisions over the reservation of the party name.
According to court documents, the applicants first applied to reserve the name on June 4, under Section 48(1) of the Political Parties Act.
The Registrar declined the request, citing public interest grounds without disclosing whether the name had already been reserved.
The applicants say the matter appeared resolved during a meeting on August 4, when the Registrar acknowledged the earlier reasons were vague and allowed the reservation of the name.
However, they allege the decision was reversed on August 7 after the Registrar stated that Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) had already been registered.
In their pleadings, the three argue that the reversal is unlawful, irrational and infringes their constitutional rights under Article 38, which guarantees every citizen the freedom to participate in political activities and to form or join a political party.
They further claim that the Linda Mwananchi Movement has already built a significant nationwide following through its digital platform, attracting 55,592 self-subscribed members and 13,232 registered volunteers as of August 13.
They argue that denying the reservation would cause irreparable prejudice to thousands of supporters seeking to associate under the proposed political movement.
The matter came before PPDT Chairperson Innocent Muganda, who certified the application as urgent and directed that it be heard ex parte in the first instance.
The Tribunal ordered the applicants to serve the complaint and Notice of Motion on the Registrar, while directing the Registrar to file and serve its response by August 24.
The case will be heard inter partes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
The applicants, represented by Bansbury Associates Advocates LLP, are seeking interim orders restraining the Registrar from processing or reserving the name LINDA, Linda Mwananchi, or any similar variation in favour of any other person or entity pending the determination of the appeal.