Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have suffered a setback in efforts to secure an Ukombozi-branded political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejected a proposed name change by the United Democratic Party (UDP).
The political movement linked to Sifuna and Natembeya had been exploring the use of UDP after efforts to establish Linda Mwananchi as a political vehicle encountered regulatory hurdles.
The proposed change would have renamed UDP as the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), with the movement also seeking changes to the party’s colours and symbols.
However, in a letter dated September 8, 2026, the Registrar said it had not approved or authorised the use of the proposed name.
The ORPP cited provisions of the Political Parties Act allowing the Registrar to reject a party name, abbreviation, slogan or symbol where it closely resembles that of another registered political party or legal entity.
The Registrar further noted that the proposed name was similar to The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), which had been reserved by another applicant on July 20, 2026.
The decision has complicated efforts by the Sifuna-Natembeya camp to settle on a political identity ahead of the 2027 elections, although leaders within the movement have indicated that they are considering several existing parties.
Sifuna has previously sought to reassure supporters that the movement has alternative options and that the dispute over the name does not amount to a loss of its political plans.
Speaking at a Forum of Young Aspirants (FOYA) meeting at Ufungamano House on August 25, Sifuna said the movement was fighting for its political brand rather than merely seeking registration of a party.
“What we are fighting for is not a party. We have parties. We are fighting for our brand. Our name. We have many parties,” Sifuna said.
He added that the movement would eventually select one of the parties it had access to and use it as its political vehicle.
“We have parties. We want our brand. We have built this thing. We want the registrar to give us our brand, and we brand it in whatever party that we choose from the ones that we have,” he said.
Sources within the movement have indicated that up to four existing political parties are being considered for the 2027 elections.
“We are looking at up to four outfits. At the appropriate time, you will get to know our new vehicle. That is all I can tell you,” a Linda Mwananchi insider was quoted as saying.
Sifuna had also hinted at the existence of an alternative political vehicle during the burial of the wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on August 21.
“Honestly, some people think Sifuna doesn’t have a party? Let our supporters relax, a rose by any other name still sells,” he said.
The ORPP decision comes as the name Ukombozi has emerged at the centre of a separate political rebranding exercise involving the former Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
On September 21, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that Azimio had unanimously agreed to rebrand as the Ukombozi Alliance. The new name is therefore distinct from the proposed Ukombozi People’s Party that the Sifuna-linked movement had sought to use.
Kalonzo said the coalition would proceed with the necessary organisational steps following the decision, with former President Uhuru Kenyatta initially identified as its chairperson.
The development adds another layer to the political contest over branding and organisational identity as parties and alliances reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The dispute is unfolding as political parties approach key deadlines for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Under the published election timetable, political parties are required to submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorised officials by October 15, 2026. They are also required to have their nomination rules certified by the Registrar by October 30, before submitting the certified rules to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by November 6.
The deadlines mean parties and political movements seeking to participate in the 2027 election will have to finalise their organisational arrangements and comply with the statutory requirements within the prescribed timelines.
For Sifuna and his allies, the rejection of the proposed Ukombozi People’s Party name leaves the movement with the task of settling on an alternative party vehicle while retaining the political identity it has been seeking to establish.
Sifuna has maintained that supporters should remain patient, saying the movement would reveal its political vehicle at the appropriate time.
