Members of the Linda Mwananchi faction have formally opposed an attempt to register their movement as a political party, citing concerns of fraud and misrepresentation.
Through their advocates, Henia Anzala & Associates, the faction wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties after learning from a newspaper article that one Charles Wanyonyi had lodged an application to register Linda Mwananchi as a party.
Legal Grounds for Objection
The faction noted that under the Political Parties Act, the Registrar is mandated to publish a notice in the Kenya Gazette and at least two nationwide newspapers, inviting objections to any proposed registration.
They warned that approving the application could open the door to fraudulent activity:
“The political party is likely to use our clients’ names, images and goodwill to fraudulently get financing either from members of the public or other entities,” the letter stated.
The faction urged the Registrar to decline the application, describing it as an attempt to defraud Kenyans.
ODM Divisions Deepen
The Linda Mwananchi movement reflects growing internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The faction supports the “one term” narrative and includes prominent leaders such as:
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna
- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
- Siaya Governor James Orengo
- Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi
- Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka
- Saboti MP Caleb Amisi
- Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi
- Suba South MP Caroli Omondi
- Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga
In contrast, the opposing Linda Ground faction, aligned with ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, advocates for a broad-based coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Both factions have been staging rallies across the country to advance their respective agendas, underscoring the ideological split within ODM as the party prepares for future political contests.
