Sifuna, Babu Owino, Orengo oppose registration of Linda Mwananchi as political party

Members of the Linda Mwananchi faction have written to the Registrar of Political Parties opposing the registration of the movement as a political party by an individual not affiliated with them.

Through their advocates, Henia Anzala & Associates, the faction referenced a newspaper article stating that one Charles Wanyonyi has lodged an application to register 'Linda Mwananchi' as a party.

They pointed out that the Registrar is mandated by the Political Parties Act to publish a notice in the Kenya Gazette and at least two nationwide newspapers, inviting objections to the registration.

The faction also noted that if the pending registration process is approved, it would provide an avenue for fraudulent conmanship against the public. 

"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 read in part. 

The faction urged the Registrar to thwart the attempt to defraud Kenyans by declining the application. 

The Linda Mwananchi movement reflects deepening internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with the party splitting along ideological lines.

The Linda Mwananchi faction supports the ‘one term’ narrative, and comprises 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, among others. 

The opposing Linda Ground faction, aligned with ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, backs a broad-based arrangement and is pushing for a coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

Both factions have been staging rallies across the country in a bid to advance their respective agendas.