Kenya ORPP: Babu Owino The Mwananchi Party Name Change Approved

• Babu Owino's political party officially changed its name from Muungano Party to The Mwananchi Party (TMP), effective September 10, 2026, as confirmed by the ORPP.
• The name change process involved a Gazette Notice, an objection from Lawrence Nzunga on August 30, and its subsequent withdrawal on September 8 after concerns were addressed.
• The approval was granted under Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act, with Owino releasing ORPP correspondence to clarify the chronology.
• Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, leader of the newly formed People’s Renaissance Movement (PM), welcomed TMP's new identity, emphasizing its role in strengthening Kenya's multiparty democracy.
• Both Owino and Amisi, previously associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, are now leading separate political vehicles, signaling diverging paths ahead of the 2027 General Election.

For legal practitioners advising political entities or involved in electoral law in Kenya, this case underscores the critical importance of formal registration processes and name changes.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino's political vehicle has officially adopted a new identity, now formally known as The Mwananchi Party (TMP). This significant development, confirmed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), saw the name change from the previously registered Muungano Party take effect on September 10, 2026. The formal approval of Babu Owino The Mwananchi Party ORPP approval marks a crucial step for the political entity as it positions itself within Kenya's dynamic political landscape.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, leader of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM), publicly welcomed the transformation, hailing it as a move towards political renewal. Amisi extended his congratulations to TMP upon receiving its certificate of change of name from the ORPP, emphasizing that such developments contribute to strengthening Kenya’s multiparty democracy. His newly established and freshly registered party, PM, expressed an openness to collaborate with TMP on shared interests, while upholding their distinct ideological foundations, signaling potential future alliances.

The formalization of The Mwananchi Party's name followed a structured Kenya political party registration process overseen by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties Kenya. Initially registered as the Muungano Party, the intention to change its name to The Mwananchi Party was publicly announced through a Gazette Notice published in August. This public declaration is a standard part of the procedure for a Muungano Party name change, allowing for public scrutiny and potential objections.

The process, however, encountered a temporary hurdle when Lawrence Nzunga lodged an objection on August 30. This objection was subsequently withdrawn on September 8, after the Registrar confirmed that the concerns raised by Nzunga had been adequately addressed. Following the resolution of this matter, the Registrar officially notified the party that the name change had become effective on September 10, in accordance with Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act. Babu Owino later released the ORPP correspondence, providing a transparent chronology of the party’s name change amidst inquiries regarding the political vehicle associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

The formal recognition of The Mwananchi Party provides a clear political vehicle for leaders previously associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, as they strategize for the 2027 General Election. Reports indicate that leaders linked to Linda Mwananchi had visited the ORPP on August 4, 2026, seeking clarity on the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and its registration process. This period has been characterized by evolving political alignments among these leaders.

While Babu Owino has firmly established TMP as his primary political vehicle, Caleb Amisi has simultaneously launched and taken leadership of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) in August, outlining its agenda centered on economic liberation, renaissance, and justice. Both leaders were once part of the broader Linda Mwananchi political formation, but their political trajectories have increasingly diverged, particularly concerning the choice of party for the upcoming elections. Amisi has previously asserted his role as a founder of Linda Mwananchi before forming PM, and in September, he noted his removal from WhatsApp groups associated with the movement due to disagreements over its political direction. Conversely, Owino maintains that he had secured a political party prior to Linda Mwananchi's formation and that his party was among the options considered by the movement, highlighting the distinct paths now being forged by these political figures.

The official rebranding of Babu Owino's party to The Mwananchi Party, coupled with the establishment of Caleb Amisi's People’s Renaissance Movement, signifies a clear delineation of political forces ahead of the 2027 General Election. This formal recognition allows both entities to solidify their distinct identities and agendas, moving beyond the previous, more fluid associations within the Linda Mwananchi political vehicle.

For legal practitioners advising political entities or involved in electoral law in Kenya, this case underscores the critical importance of formal registration processes and name changes. The adherence to Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties Kenya in handling the Muungano Party name change provides a clear precedent for how objections are managed and final approvals granted. Lawyers should ensure that all future legal and political communications accurately reflect the new name, The Mwananchi Party, for Owino's political outfit, and acknowledge PM as a separate, formally registered entity, as these developments will undoubtedly influence the strategic landscape leading up to the next national polls.

Lawyers advising political entities or involved in electoral law in Kenya should note the formal name change of Babu Owino's party to The Mwananchi Party, ensuring all future legal and political communications correctly reflect this. This case also illustrates the ORPP's process for political party name changes, including objection handling, under Section 20(5) of the Political Parties Act.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM Kenya