Sifuna Announces Plans to Change New Party's Name, Details

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has announced plans to change the name of The Equitable Party (TEP) to Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna made the announcement on Sunday, October 4, during the unveiling of TEP, which has emerged as his political vehicle as he prepares for the presidential race.

He said the proposed rebranding had been agreed upon by the principals and supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

The senator, however, warned that TEP could retain its current identity if additional obstacles were placed in the way of the name-change process.

Sifuna said the party would continue operating under the TEP name and could proceed to the 2027 ballot under its existing identity if the rebranding failed.

Legal Hurdles

The proposed name change follows a dispute that had involved the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal recently overturned the rejection of the Linda Mwananchi name reservation, paving the way for the latest move.

The Registrar subsequently approved the reservation of the name for 90 days, allowing the promoters to proceed with the next stage.

Sifuna said the movement's political identity was being protected as preparations for the 2027 election continued. The proposed rebranding is expected to bring TEP under the wider Linda Mwananchi political movement.