Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has released new details surrounding the change of the party name from Linda Mwananchi to The Mwananchi Party.
The clarification comes amid an ongoing dispute over the use of the Mwananchi and Linda names by different political groups ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to documents from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) cited by the party, officials visited the registrar’s office on August 4 to seek clarification on the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process.
The party said the official change of name to The Mwananchi Party took effect on September 10, 2026. The ORPP reportedly confirmed that the change followed a Gazette Notice published on August 28 inviting members of the public to submit objections or comments.
The Registrar also acknowledged an objection filed on August 30 against the proposed change. The objection was later withdrawn on September 8 after the person who had filed it said their concerns had been addressed.
The ORPP subsequently informed the party that the name change had taken effect under the Political Parties Act.
The dispute has also involved the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA), whose officials have claimed rights to the Linda name, symbols and identity. They have previously challenged the use of the name by the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The matter has attracted attention as political groups position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with several opposition figures discussing possible coalitions and political vehicles.
The Mwananchi Party said it released the ORPP correspondence to clarify the chronology of events surrounding the name change and explain the basis of its position.