The dispute over the registration of the Linda Mwananchi political party has moved to court, with Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou defending his decision to reject the reservation of the party's name.

Cox said he did not refuse to register the party outright, but that there are several requirements that must be met before a political party can be registered.

Speaking on Citizen TV, the Registrar said his office is now waiting for the court's decision on the matter.

“The issue is in court, and we are awaiting the court’s decision,” Cox said.

The dispute began after Cox declined to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi, citing an existing political entity, Liberty National Democratic Alliance, which uses the acronym LINDA.

The decision was challenged at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.

Registrar outlines requirements

Cox said a political party must have 25 offices — one headquarters and 24 offices across different counties.

The offices must be painted in the party's agreed colours, while the party must also have at least 1,000 members.

He further clarified that the Constitution does not limit the number of political parties that can operate in Kenya.

According to Cox, Kenya currently has 99 registered political parties, with another 37 at the provisional registration stage.

LINDA name dispute

Liberty National Democratic Alliance has maintained that it owns the LINDA name and identity.

The party says it began its registration process in November 2024 and has a nationwide membership base.

Party leader Phanesio Thuku said the group considers itself the legitimate LINDA party recognised by the law and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Linda Mwananchi, meanwhile, has said it will pursue legal action to protect its interests.

The court will now determine the next step in the dispute over the party's registration and the use of the Linda Mwananchi name.