Sifuna Threatens to Keep TEP Name if Linda Mwananchi Rebranding Faces Hurdles

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has warned that The Equitable Party (TEP) could retain its current name if efforts to rebrand it as Linda Mwananchi Movement are frustrated.

Sifuna made the announcement on Sunday, October 4, during the unveiling of TEP as the political vehicle associated with his 2027 presidential bid.

TEP Could Remain on Ballot

Sifuna said plans had already been agreed upon by the principals of Linda Mwananchi Movement to pursue the name change.

He, however, indicated that the party would continue operating as TEP if additional obstacles prevented the proposed rebranding from being completed.

Sifuna said the movement would therefore proceed under the existing party identity and could retain the TEP name through the 2027 election if necessary.

The announcement comes after TEP was unveiled as the party through which Sifuna is expected to pursue his presidential ambitions.

TEP party leader Gilbert Marava announced that the party had restructured its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and his supporters, with Sifuna taking over as party leader and presidential candidate.

Linda Mwananchi Name Finally Reserved

The rebranding plans follow a prolonged dispute over the Linda Mwananchi name involving the political parties regulator.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal recently overturned the decision that had blocked the reservation of the name, paving the way for the Registrar of Political Parties to approve its reservation.

The name was subsequently reserved for up to 90 days, giving Sifuna's team time to proceed with the required political party registration process.

The dispute had earlier involved concerns over similarities with another political party and competing claims surrounding the Linda Mwananchi name.

Sifuna's Political Vehicle

The latest development gives Sifuna a registered political party through which his presidential campaign can be organised while the wider Linda Mwananchi structure is being developed.

Several parties have been associated with the movement, including those linked to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Sifuna and his allies have indicated that Linda Mwananchi intends to work with other political formations as discussions continue ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The senator's team must now complete the rebranding process or continue using TEP as the political identity under which its presidential campaign is organised.