Tribunal Certifies Case Challenging Rejection of Linda Mwananchi Movement Name as Urgent

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has certified as urgent a case challenging the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to reject an application to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).

The Tribunal, chaired by Innocent Muganda, directed that the matter be heard on an expedited basis and ordered the Registrar of Political Parties to respond to the application.

The case was filed by Pauline Njoki Njoroge, Faith Odhiambo and Michael Caroli Omondi, who say they applied on June 4, 2026, to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement.

According to the applicants, the Registrar initially rejected their application on grounds of “public interest”. They say the Registrar later agreed to reserve the name following a meeting held on August 4, but reversed that decision three days later.

The applicants claim the reversal was based on the registration of another entity, Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA.

Applicants Seek Protection of LMM Name

The applicants have moved to the Tribunal seeking orders barring the Registrar from considering, processing, reserving or registering the names “LINDA”, “LINDA MWANANCHI” or any substantially similar variation in favour of another individual or entity pending the determination of the case.

They argue that the Registrar’s position is contradictory and threatens their political rights guaranteed under Article 38 of the Constitution, which provides for political rights including the right to form, join and participate in the activities of political parties.

The applicants also told the Tribunal that their digital platform, operating under the Linda Mwananchi Movement name, had attracted 55,592 self-subscribed members and more than 13,232 volunteers as of August 13.

They argue that the figures demonstrate the level of public support and engagement associated with the proposed movement.

Tribunal Sets Expedited Timelines

In its directions, the Tribunal ordered the Registrar of Political Parties to file and serve a response to the application by August 24.

The applicants have been granted an opportunity to file a supplementary affidavit by 11 a.m. on August 25.

The dispute will be heard inter partes on August 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., when the parties are expected to make their respective submissions before the Tribunal.

The proceedings could determine whether the applicants will be allowed to proceed with their efforts to reserve the Linda Mwananchi Movement name or whether the Registrar’s decision to reject the application will stand.