The ruling resolves a political dispute over the use of the slogan Linda Mwananchi. The Registrar, John Cox Lorionokou, informed Charles Wanyonyi that the proposed name could not be approved. He said it was similar to other registered slogans and raised public interest concerns.
In his letter, the Registrar explained that names like Linda Mkenya and Boresha Kenya already exist. He said registering the name could violate Section 8 of the Political Parties Act. Wanyonyi was advised to submit alternative names for review.
The rejection halts plans to launch the new party and ends tensions between Wanyonyi and opposition politicians supporting Edwin Sifuna.
The slogan Linda Mwananchi has been used widely in public meetings by Sifuna’s supporters and is now seen as central to their campaign.
The dispute began after Wanyonyi submitted the application. Sifuna’s group filed an urgent objection through the law firm Henia Anzala and Associates. They argued the slogan was already closely associated with their political work and campaigns across Kenya.
Among those supporting the objection were Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi. They claimed allowing the slogan to be used by someone else could mislead the public and benefit private interests.
The objectors also warned that approving the party could enable misuse of their popularity to collect funds or attract followers under false pretenses. They asked the Registrar to block the attempt to protect citizens from political deception.
Before the decision, Wanyonyi strongly rejected the claims. His lawyers from Wanzau, Odhiambo and Associates said the objection had no legal basis under the Political Parties Act. They stated that Wanyonyi acted as a citizen and not on behalf of any political leader.
His lawyers added that the slogan Linda Mwananchi had never been registered by anyone as a political party name. They stressed that citizens have the constitutional right to submit party registration applications.
The case centered on Section 8 of the Political Parties Act. The law allows the Registrar to reject names that are offensive, similar to other names, banned, or contrary to public interest.
The ruling now brings clarity to the ongoing dispute and confirms the legal limits on political party registration.