Edwin Sifuna’s political camp has moved a step closer to formalising its next move after reports emerged that the group has reserved three party names ahead of a key meeting with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). According to the newspaper review, the Nairobi senator’s allies are positioning the team for a possible 2027 electoral push, with Linda Mwananchi among the names already floated for registration.
The report says Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi confirmed that the group has scheduled a meeting with the ORPP to push the registration process forward. Osotsi reportedly said the name has already been reserved, while adding that the team is working on the new party’s blueprint and manifesto and is also preparing a 47 county popularisation tour.
The registration drive, however, may not be straightforward. The review notes that the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, had earlier rejected another attempt to reserve Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya, saying the name closely resembled existing slogans such as Linda Mkenya and Boresha Kenya under Section 8 of the Political Parties Act. That means the faction could face legal and administrative hurdles before any new outfit is cleared for registration.
The development also fits into a wider shift in opposition politics. The review says opposition leaders have moved away from joint rallies and are now favouring parallel mobilisation as they try to strengthen their individual political bases before the election. Political commentator Gitile Naituli argued that the new approach is a strategy meant to block President William Ruto from reaching the 25 per cent threshold in half the counties, rather than proof of friction within the opposition camp.
Onyonka, meanwhile, was quoted as saying ODM is dead and insisted the camp needs alternative plans to ensure Sifuna has a viable political vehicle for 2027. With the ORPP meeting pending and backup names already in place, the group appears determined to keep its options open as it tests the waters for a possible new political formation.