The Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has rejected any registration plans. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s group says it never authorised anyone to register the party.
The faction wrote to the Office of Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to stop the move. They claim Charles Wanyonyi attempted registration without consent, risking misuse of images and symbols.
Lawyer Duncan Anzala said the faction fears the party could defraud the public. They warned the slogan “Linda Mwananchi” might mislead Kenyans into giving money or support.
Legal Basis for Objection
The group cited Section 5(2)(a) of the Political Parties Act in their objection. They noted the law requires ORPP to publish the application in the Kenya Gazette and two newspapers.
Other members of the ODM rebel faction include Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senators Godfrey Osotsi and Richard Onyonka. MPs such as Babu Owino, Majimbo Kalasinga, and Anthony Kibagendi also back Sifuna’s team.
The faction insisted it is not forming a rival political party. Their fight focuses on promoting internal democracy within ODM, not splitting the party.
Opposition to ODM-UDA Pact
Sifuna’s team opposes any pact between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They support the United Opposition’s campaign to prevent President William Ruto’s re-election next year.
The senator said his group first wants to popularise the “Sisi Ndio Sifuna” movement before considering presidential ambitions. He mentioned conducting a census to measure support among people identifying as Sifuna supporters.
Sifuna argued they plan to mobilise voters to defeat President Ruto decisively. He noted Ruto won in 2022 by only 200,000 votes, with eight million people not voting.
The faction aims to beat Ruto by at least five million votes in the next election. They insist a united front with the United Opposition is the only way to achieve that margin.
Protecting Public Trust
The group warned ORPP to reject the registration to prevent political fraud in Kenya. They claimed stopping the application protects their members’ goodwill and public trust.
Sifuna emphasised the team’s commitment to a fair election process. He said their strategy relies on mobilising real voters rather than relying on empty slogans or campaigns.
The faction continues to monitor ODM decisions closely and speaks out when internal democracy is threatened. They remain firm in opposing moves that could harm the party’s unity and credibility.
This move demonstrates the faction’s strategic approach to political engagement and voter mobilisation. They insist that protecting symbols and names is as crucial as winning elections.
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