Political Parties Tribunal Expedites Hearing in Linda Mwananchi Name Dispute Involving Suba South MP Olondi

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has fast-tracked a case involving Suba South MP Michael Carol Olondi, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, and Pauline Njoki Njoroge. The trio is contesting the Registrar of Political Parties’ refusal to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM).

The applicants initially applied for the name on June 4, but the Registrar declined their request citing public interest without providing detailed reasons. Following a meeting on August 4, the Registrar acknowledged the earlier decision lacked clarity and temporarily allowed the name reservation. However, this approval was reversed three days later, referencing the existence of another political party, the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA), as the justification for rejection.

In their petition, Olondi, Odhiambo, and Njoroge argue that the Registrar’s decisions have been contradictory and opaque, infringing on their constitutional right to engage in political activities under Article 38 of the Kenyan Constitution. They have requested the Tribunal to halt any registration or reservation of the names "LINDA," "Linda Mwananchi," or similar variants by other entities pending the outcome of their appeal.

The applicants also highlighted that their digital platform under the Linda Mwananchi Movement brand has amassed over 55,000 members and more than 13,000 volunteers as of mid-August, emphasizing the potential harm to their political engagement if another party uses the disputed name.

On August 21, PPDT Chairman Innocent Muganda certified the matter as urgent and scheduled an initial ex parte hearing. The Registrar is required to respond by August 24, with the full hearing set for August 25, 2026, at 2:30 pm.