Mwananchi Party Explains Process Behind Linda Mwananchi Name Change

The Mwananchi Party has clarified the circumstances surrounding the change of its name from Linda Mwananchi, saying the timeline should be established from official records held by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

The clarification was issued on Thursday, September 24, following questions surrounding the party’s registration and the circumstances that led to the adoption of the Mwananchi Party name.

According to the party, its principals visited the ORPP on August 4 to seek clarification regarding the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process.

Records from the political parties registrar indicate that the formal change of name was completed on September 10, 2026.

The party said the date was significant in establishing the sequence of events surrounding the name change and released correspondence from the ORPP to support its account.

The registrar’s communication indicated that the proposed name change was subjected to public scrutiny through a Gazette Notice published on August 28. Members of the public were given an opportunity to submit representations concerning the proposed change.

The ORPP also acknowledged receiving an objection on August 30 regarding the proposed change from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party.

However, the person who lodged the objection subsequently withdrew it on September 8 after indicating that the issues raised had been addressed.

Following the withdrawal, the Registrar informed the party that the name change had formally taken effect in accordance with the Political Parties Act.

The ORPP cited Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D, in confirming that the change had become effective.

The Mwananchi Party said it released the official correspondence to provide clarity on the chronology of events and address questions surrounding the registration process.

The controversy has also involved the use of the name Linda. Officials of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) have previously challenged the use of the Linda Mwananchi identity, including its name, symbols and other elements associated with the party.

LINDA officials said in August that their registration process began in November 2024 and questioned the use of the Linda identity by the Linda Mwananchi movement.

The dispute subsequently moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, where a case concerning the reservation of the Linda Mwananchi name was certified as urgent.