A fresh political realignment could be taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections after former MP Cyrus Jirongo’s United Democratic Party moved to change its name, colours and identity as Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement searches for a party to use.
UDP has proposed adopting the name Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), with the planned changes coming at a time when the party is reportedly among those being considered by leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The proposed changes would give UDP a new look while preserving its shield as the official party symbol. The party also plans to adopt “Ngao ya Ukombozi” (The Shield of Liberation) as its slogan.
The plans have added to growing questions over which political outfit Linda Mwananchi will use in the 2027 elections, following difficulties in registering the movement under its preferred name.
Sifuna has said the movement has several political parties from which it can choose, arguing that its main concern is protecting the Linda Mwananchi identity rather than creating a new 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. Kasongo thinks he is dealing with children,” Sifuna said.
The movement is challenging the Registrar of Political Parties in court after its bid to register Linda Mwananchi was rejected.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has allowed the group to reserve the Mwananchi party name as the legal case continues.
The situation has left the movement considering existing political parties that could provide a route into the 2027 contest, with UDP emerging as one of the options.
Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, who remains a senior member of UDP, said he was not aware of discussions to transfer the party to Sifuna’s group.
He, however, left room for such an arrangement in future, saying he had not personally been approached over the matter.
“Not that I’m aware of. It’s possible [to hand it over], but I have not been approached myself. I’m not an official. I’m just a senior member,” he said.
The search for a party has also brought another outfit into the picture.
Alliance People’s Party, which is nearing completion of its registration with the Registrar of Political Parties, is also being considered by the Linda Mwananchi group.
The movement had previously approached the Registrar to reserve three names — Liberty National Democratic Alliance, Liberation Democratic Alliance and Liberal National Democratic Alliance.
The request was turned down.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi questioned the explanation given for the rejection, saying the Registrar later informed him that the names had already been reserved in 2024.
“This happened a month ago. A week later, he [registrar] sent me a message saying that someone had reserved the same names in 2024. How could that be possible?” Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi told the Star.
While the name change would give UDP a new identity, the party is also seeking to overhaul its official colours.
Under the proposal, gold, described as mustard yellow, and green would become key party colours.
The proposed gold colour is meant to stand for wealth, opportunity and existence, while green would represent growth, agriculture, prosperity and environmental conservation.
White would also be introduced to signify peace, integrity and unity.
Navy blue would represent trust, stability and leadership.
Despite the changes, the party plans to retain the shield as its official symbol, with “Ngao ya Ukombozi” (The Shield of Liberation) becoming its slogan.
UDP secretary general Bernard Wafukho said the party’s National Executive Committee had approved the proposed changes and opened the process to public views.
“The NEC wishes to notify the public of the above resolutions and invite any memoranda from the public on the topic to be submitted on or before August 10, 2026,” the notice signed by secretary general Bernard Wafukho stated.
The proposed rebrand therefore places UDP at the centre of the growing search for a political home for Linda Mwananchi, even as the movement continues its court battle over the name it wants to use.