NAIROBI,Kenya Sep 21 – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have suffered a setback in their efforts to establish Ukombozi People’s Party as the political vehicle for the Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Registrar of Political Parties has rejected a proposal by the United Democratic Party (UDP) to change its name to Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), saying the proposed name is too similar to another political outfit whose name had already been reserved.

In a letter dated September 8, Registrar of Political Parties John Lorionokou told lawyers representing UDP that the office had “not approved or authorised” the use of the name Ukombozi People’s Party by the party.

“This Office has not approved or authorized the use of the name ‘Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP)’ by the United Democratic Party (UDP),”the registrar of political parties stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Registrar cited Section 8(c) of the Political Parties Act, which allows the office to reject a party name, abbreviation, slogan or symbol that closely resembles that of another registered political party or legal entity.

The office said the name Ukombozi People’s Party resembles The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), whose name had been reserved by another applicant on July 20, 2026.

“The name resembles ‘The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA)’ reserved by a different applicant on 20th July, 2026,”Lorionokou noted.

The decision complicates plans by Sifuna and his allies, who have in recent weeks been preparing to unveil Ukombozi as the party through which the Nairobi senator could pursue his presidential ambitions.

Natembeya has been among the most vocal supporters of Ukombozi as the political vehicle for Sifuna, even as divisions emerged within Linda Mwananchi over the party to be used in the 2027 elections.

Recent reports indicate that Sifuna’s allies were planning to unveil the party in early October, with October 3 cited as a possible launch date.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya