- Leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi’s wing have opposed the request to register the movement as a political party
- The group, led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, said the petition allegedly presented by Charles Wanyonyi could abuse the credibility and public identity of the movement.
- They have asked the officials of the registrar of political parties to reject the application for registration, saying the proposed party may misuse their name, image and political brand.
Leaders associated with the wing of Linda Mwananchi within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have strongly opposed efforts to register the movement as a political party.
Source: Twitter
The group, which includes the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, has officially submitted an objection asking the Registrar of Political Parties to reject the request to register the party under the name of Linda Mwananchi.
Who submitted the application to register the Linda Mwananchi Party?
Through their lawyers, Henia Anzala & Associates, the wing wrote a letter to the registrar after information emerged that a person identified as Charles Wanyonyi submitted an application to register “Linda Mwananchi” as a political party.
In the letter, the wing distanced itself from the request and warned that the approval of the registration could mislead the people.
They said the proposed party could abuse the trust and recognition of the public associated with Linda Mwananchi’s movement.
“That political party has the possibility of using the names, images and trust of our customers to get money fraudulently from citizens or other institutions,” the lawyers wrote in part.
The move has also re-ignited political tension within ODM as the country begins to turn its eyes towards the 2027 General Election.
Although he confirmed that the application had been submitted, Wanyonyi declined to give further details on the plan, saying the matter was still being investigated by the registrar.
The development has fueled speculation about the intention of the registration attempt, with questions being raised as to whether it is a genuine effort to form a new political party or an attempt to take over a growing political brand associated with ODM’s internal opposition.
Who did Grandpa blame for the registration attempt?
Speaking on the matter, Grandpa Owino he ignored the registration efforts saying it was part of a conspiracy to weaken the movement.
He criticized the administration of Kenya First to be behind the plan to register a new party, saying it is a way to discourage them.
“I want to say that these are methods used by the government to disturb Linda Mwananchi. I want to tell them clearly that Linda Mwananchi is here to stay. Maybe the letter of the law has been taken because they saved the name, but the spirit of the law is with the people,” said the member of parliament.
He emphasized that the wing has never thought of forming a new political party and continues to push its agenda within ODM.
The Member of Parliament, who has announced his intention to become the leader of ODM, said he is eagerly waiting for the meeting of the members of the party (NDC) which is expected to be held later in March.
“This matter of registering a political movement or party, we have not thought about it until now. There is an NDC coming, they should choose leaders within ODM, we are still in ODM. And as we always say, after Father is Grandfather; Grandfather will be the leader of ODM,” he added.
Source: Twitter
In recent months, Linda Mwananchi has emerged as an important wing within ODM, often positioning itself as the voice of grassroots supporters.
The wing supports the one-term narrative and has continued to organize meetings and political activities across the country.
“Linda Mwananchi is already shaking the nation, she is already fighting for the interests of Kenyans. It provides a balance of power according to the principle of power sharing and checking of power. But the government is very afraid, as you can see, that’s why they are sending people to register Linda Mwananchi even before we take action,” he added.
Some of the main leaders associated with the group include:
- Edwin Sifuna
- Grandpa Owino
- Governor of Siaya James Orengo
- Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi
- Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka
- MP for Saboti Caleb Amisi
- Member of Parliament for Kitutu Chache South Anthony Kibagendi
- Member of Parliament for Suba South Caroli Omondi
- Member of Parliament for Kabuchai Sinhalese Provinces
Their position is opposed to that of another wing of ODM known as Linda Ground, which is leaning towards the party leader and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
