# Tribunal Clears Way for Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Delegates Conference Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna can proceed with party rebranding despite ongoing legal challenges. - **Source:** [Nation Africa](https://nation.africa/kenya) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9f149231-31ba-43e8-9c26-3d6d859743a4 ## Tribunal Greenlights Conference The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has officially allowed The Equitable Party to proceed with its National Delegates Conference scheduled for November 13. This ruling enables Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to advance his plans to rebrand the political vehicle as the Linda Mwananchi Movement, despite significant legal objections raised by party members. ## Legal Challenges Dismissed Two party members, Paul Kiragu Gachoka and Pamela Achieng Simwata, had sought to block the meeting. They argued that the conference was unconstitutional due to the lack of a properly constituted electoral college. The tribunal dismissed their immediate request to stop the event but ordered that the substantive complaint proceed to hearing. ## Conditional Future Rulings While the conference can proceed, the tribunal clarified that this decision does not validate the party's adherence to its own constitution. The court retains the authority to reverse any resolutions passed during the meeting if future proceedings establish that the conference was convened improperly or violated internal party rules and governing documents. ## Rebranding and Strategic Goals Senator Sifuna unveiled The Equitable Party on October 4, 2026, following his departure from the Orange Democratic Movement. The proposed rebranding to the Linda Mwananchi Movement aims to reshape the party's identity. The agenda includes constitutional amendments and discussions regarding potential coalition arrangements ahead of the upcoming 2027 General Election cycle. ## Procedural Disputes Raised Complainants argued that the National Governing Council failed to approve the conference agenda as required by the party constitution. Lawyer Eddy Otieno questioned the legitimacy of the National Elections Board and the overall structure of the delegates. He warned that irreversible institutional changes might occur before the tribunal reaches a final verdict. ## Party Defense Strategy The party's legal counsel, Duncan Anzala, countered that the complainants joined the party only on October 22, shortly before filing their objections. He characterized their legal challenge as a deliberate attempt to obstruct election preparations. The party maintained that it followed internal dispute-resolution processes and invited the members to address concerns. ## Registrar Oversight Role The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties confirmed receiving the objections and noted that the party had provided a formal response. The Registrar is currently awaiting the official conference returns before assessing the proposed name and symbol changes. They will determine the next steps in the registration process following the meeting. ## Election Plans Suspended A separate legal challenge regarding proposed elections at the conference was resolved after the party assured the tribunal that no internal polls would occur on November 13. Consequently, the conference will focus solely on rebranding and constitutional updates, while the primary legal dispute regarding the party's internal governance remains pending before court. ## Sources covering this story - https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/tribunal-clears-way-for-sifuna-delegates-conference-5668546 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._