The petitioners, Pauline Njoki Njoroge, Faith Odhiambo and Michael Caroli Omondi, have moved to the Tribunal seeking to stop the Registrar from allowing another person or entity to use the name Linda Mwananchi, or any similar variation, as they pursue the registration of their political movement.

The dispute stems from an application submitted on June 4, 2026, seeking reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement.

The petitioners say the Registrar initially rejected their application on the grounds of public interest but later agreed to reserve the name following a meeting held on August 4.

However, they claim the decision was reversed just three days later.

According to the petitioners, the Registrar cited the registration of another entity, Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA, as the basis for reversing the earlier decision.

The petitioners have described the Registrar’s position as contradictory and want the Tribunal to intervene before the disputed name is considered for another applicant.

Among the orders they are seeking is an injunction restraining the Registrar from considering, processing, reserving or registering the names “LINDA,” “LINDA MWANANCHI” or any similar variation in favour of another person or entity pending determination of the petition.

They argue that the decision threatens their constitutional right to participate in political activities under Article 38 of the Constitution.

The petitioners have also told the Tribunal that the Linda Mwananchi Movement has already developed a significant following through its digital platform.

They say that by August 13, 2026, the platform had attracted 55,592 self-subscribed members and more than 13,232 volunteers.

The figures, they argue, demonstrate that the movement is already identifiable by the disputed name and has attracted substantial public support.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, chaired by Innocent Muganda, has certified the matter as urgent and directed the Registrar to respond to the application.

The Registrar has been ordered to file and serve her response by August 24, 2026, while the petitioners have until 11am on August 25 to file a supplementary affidavit.

The petition will be heard inter partes on August 25, 2026, at 2:30pm, when the parties will present their positions on the orders being sought.

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