Babu Owino Explains How Mwananchi Party Name Change Happened
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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has released a letter from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) detailing the chronology of the change of name from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party.
According to a statement issued by The Mwananchi Party on September 24, the principals of the Linda Mwananchi Movement visited the ORPP on August 4, 2026, to seek clarification on the availability of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process.
“The Mwananchi Party wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the change of name from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party, following recent discussions and questions raised in the public domain. On 4th August 2026, the principals of the Linda Mwananchi Movement visited the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to seek clarification on the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process,” read part of the statement.
Babu Owino Explains Mwananchi Party Name Change Timeline
The party said it officially changed its name on September 10, 2026, as confirmed by correspondence from the Registrar of Political Parties.
Mwananchi Party also said it released the ORPP letter to give the public access to the official record on the name change.
It urged members of the public to examine the dates and sequence of events in their proper context.
The party maintained that discussions surrounding its name should be guided by the official record and documented chronology.
“We respect the right of Kenyans to ask questions and seek clarity on matters of public interest. Our position is simply that the discussion should be guided by the official record and the documented chronology,” the statement said.
ORPP Details Mwananchi Party Name Change
In a letter dated September 10, 2026, the Registrar of Political Parties notified The Mwananchi Party that the change of name had taken effect.
The letter referenced correspondence dated August 25, 2026, in which the party confirmed that no representations had been received from members of the public concerning the proposed change of name.
As a result, the proposed change was published through Gazette Notice No. 13935 dated August 28, 2026. The name change involved altering the party’s name from Muungano Party (MP) to The Mwananchi Party (TMP).
Also Read: Babu Owino Confirms Ownership of Mwananchi Party
However, according to the ORPP letter, an objection was received from Lawrence Nzunga on August 30, 2026, challenging the proposed change of name.
The registering body further noted that Nzunga later withdrew the objection through a letter dated September 8, 2026, confirming that his reservations had been addressed.
Following the withdrawal, the Registrar notified the party that the change of name had taken effect pursuant to Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D.
“In light of the foregoing, the Registrar hereby notifies the party that the change of name has taken effect, pursuant to Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D,” the letter stated.
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Photo showing ORPP Letter confirming the timeline for Mwananchi party name registration. Photo/ Babu Owino/ FB
