The Linda Mwananchi political party has been accused of playing a double game as it fights to retain its identity in court while allegedly exploring alternative political parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The political outfit is currently relying on a conservatory order issued by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which has slowed action by the Registrar of Political Parties over the party’s registration dispute.
However, political insiders cited in the emerging claims say the camp associated with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is not prepared to leave its 2027 ambitions entirely in the hands of the courts.According to the insiders, the group is quietly examining already registered political parties that could potentially provide an alternative vehicle should the legal battle over the Linda Mwananchi name fail to deliver the desired outcome.
Photo|Babu Owino and Other Linda Mwananchi leaders.
The development has added a new layer to the political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties and political formations increasingly positioning themselves for alliances, nominations and coalition negotiations.
The alleged strategy would allow the Sifuna-aligned camp to maintain its political momentum while avoiding the risk of being locked out of the electoral process by prolonged legal proceedings.The PPDT order remains central to the dispute, with the tribunal’s intervention temporarily slowing administrative action as the legal contest continues.
For Sifuna’s camp, however, the approaching electoral timelines could make a contingency plan increasingly important.The allegations have not been independently confirmed, and the individuals involved have yet to publicly acknowledge plans to take over another registered party.
The unfolding dispute is nevertheless expected to attract heightened attention as political actors across the country position themselves for the 2027 General Election.