The Equitable Party (TEP) has formally changed its name to the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM), following a resolution by its National Delegates Conference (NDC) on Friday, marking a significant step in Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The resolution, adopted during a closed-door meeting in Nairobi, approved not only the name change but also alterations to the party’s official colours, symbol and headquarters, alongside amendments to its constitution and nomination rules.
The rebranding consolidates the political vehicle Sifuna has been building since taking over the party earlier this year.
In a statement issued after the conference, the party confirmed the delegates’ approval, describing the move as a milestone in its organisational transition. “We take this opportunity to thank the NDC for taking this key step in formalising the party’s transition to Linda Mwananchi Movement and strengthening its organisational structure,” the statement read.
The delegates also authorised the leadership to pursue coalition-building discussions with like-minded formations as the 2027 contest approaches.
The transformation of TEP into the Linda Mwananchi Movement follows a political journey that accelerated rapidly over the past two months.
TEP was originally registered in March 2022 under the leadership of Dr Gilbert Marava Shanga, a statistician and former public servant, and maintained a relatively low profile for years.
The party’s fortunes changed dramatically in October 2026 when Sifuna, then the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), adopted it as his political vehicle after falling out with his former party. Sifuna was unveiled as TEP’s party leader and presidential candidate on October 4.
The move was designed to leverage the “Linda Mwananchi” brand, which means “Protect the Citizen” in Swahili. Sifuna and his allies had already established the name as an opposition movement through rallies and grassroots mobilisation.
The rebranding process, however, faced several hurdles. The Registrar of Political Parties had initially declined to reserve the Linda Mwananchi name, citing a conflict with an existing outfit using the “LINDA” acronym.
Sifuna’s team successfully challenged the decision at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which ruled in their favour and directed the Registrar to reserve the name.
The path to Friday’s NDC was also contested, with several party members filing complaints at the PPDT alleging that the conference had been convened without proper grassroots elections or delegate selection processes.
The tribunal, however, cleared the way for the meeting to proceed, even as it allowed the substantive complaints to remain under review.
Despite the approval of the name change, the movement still faces organisational and legal requirements before completing its transition.
The Registrar of Political Parties has noted that LMM is not yet a fully registered party, as the transition process, including public participation and final approvals, remains incomplete.
The party must also establish structures across the country. Under the Political Parties Act, a party seeking full registration must demonstrate functional branch offices in at least 24 counties and recruit a minimum number of registered voters.
Sifuna’s allies have expressed confidence in the movement’s direction. At the October launch, Sifuna warned opponents that the team would not be stopped.
“Even if they close a door for us in the new party, we already have options out,” he said at the time.
