The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has allowed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi to reserve the name “The Mwananchi Party” pending the hearing and determination of an appeal over the registration dispute.

The tribunal also allowed the reservation and registration of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) to proceed pending the determination of the case.

In preliminary orders issued during a virtual proceeding, the PPDT restrained the Registrar of Political Parties from considering, processing, reserving or registering the name “Linda Mwananchi” or any similar variation for another person or entity until the appeal is determined.

The dispute is scheduled to resume on September 14, 2026, at 2:30pm.

Sifuna Says Group Is Defending Its Brand

Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi during a keynote address on youth aspirants’ involvement in politics, Sifuna maintained that Linda Mwananchi’s fight is primarily about protecting its identity rather than establishing another political party.

“We took the Registrar to court because we do not believe he has any reason to deny us the name. But I want to be clear: what we are fighting for is not a party. We have parties. We are fighting for a brand, our name,” Sifuna stated.

The Nairobi senator has previously insisted that the group wants to retain its name and political identity as the 2027 General Election approaches.

LINDA Officials Defend Name

Meanwhile, officials of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance, led by party leader Phanesio Thuku, maintained that the LINDA name rightfully belongs to their political organisation.

Both sides entered into a consent allowing the reservation and registration of The Mwananchi Party and Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) to continue pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The PPDT’s latest orders temporarily preserve the two names as the legal battle over their registration continues.