Edwin Sifuna Hints at New Political Party as Linda Mwananchi Registration Stalls

Edwin Sifuna Hints at New Political Party as Linda Mwananchi Registration Stalls

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hinted that he could unveil a new political party in the coming weeks as efforts to register his Linda Mwananchi political outfit face uncertainty.

Sifuna made the remarks on Friday, August 21, during the burial service of Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, the late wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, at Malinya Stadium in Kakamega County.

The senator spoke after mourners called on him to establish a political party through which he could pursue his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna responded by suggesting that preparations for a political vehicle were already underway.

“I have heard calls on the need for Sifuna to have a party. I want our people to understand: do you just sit and think that Sifuna doesn’t have a party?”

His remarks drew cheers from mourners, with the senator maintaining that his political team had been working on securing registration for Linda Mwananchi.

Sifuna Says Linda Mwananchi Registration Is Ongoing

Sifuna said the movement had been working through the required registration process but claimed that authorities had frustrated efforts to have the proposed party registered.

He did not provide details of the alleged challenges but assured supporters that a political announcement would be made once the process was complete.

The senator also referred to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while explaining the political experience gained by his team.

“Even if you despise us and think that we are kids, we learnt all these from the late Raila Odinga.”

Sifuna urged supporters to remain patient as consultations and efforts to secure a political platform continue.

He suggested that the name and details of the party would be announced at a later date.

“We will come here and let you know the name; leave that to us.”

The remarks have sparked fresh speculation about Sifuna’s political plans as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.

Registrar Rejects Linda Mwananchi Name

The uncertainty surrounding Sifuna’s political party follows an earlier decision by the Registrar of Political Parties to reject an application seeking to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya (LMPK).

The application was reportedly rejected over concerns that the proposed name and slogans could be similar to those associated with existing political parties.

Public interest considerations were also cited in the decision.

Leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have since held consultations with Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou as they seek to address the concerns and potentially secure approval for the party.

It remains unclear whether the movement will retain the Linda Mwananchi name or adopt a different identity if the registration process does not succeed.

Sifuna’s 2027 Political Plans

Sifuna’s latest remarks come as Kenya’s political parties begin preparing for the 2027 General Election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already published the election timetable, confirming that Kenyans will vote on August 10, 2027.

The timetable sets several deadlines that new and existing political parties must meet before the election.

Political parties are required to submit authorised persons and specimen signatures by October 15, 2026, while their nomination rules must be certified by October 30.

The deadlines mean new political formations seeking to participate in the 2027 election will have limited time to complete registration and meet electoral requirements.

For now, Sifuna has not formally unveiled a new party or confirmed whether Linda Mwananchi will be registered under its original name.

However, his remarks in Kakamega indicate that a political announcement could be made in the coming weeks as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.

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Edwin Sifuna Hints at New Political Party as Linda Mwananchi Registration Stalls