Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino’s recruitment appeal for The Mwananchi Party has faced fresh pushback among supporters of the Linda Mwananchi political movement.
On October 7, Owino announced that The Mwananchi Party had reached 1.4 million members and invited Kenyans to join the party using 050.
“We are now at 1.4 million members; all are welcome to The Mwananchi Party. Party code 050,” Babu stated.
However, the announcement drew reactions from users identifying themselves with TEP, several of whom repeatedly referred to 100 as their party identifier.
Others reaffirmed their support for The Equitable Party (TEP), the political vehicle adopted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
A member of the public, Paul Ongoro, the MP, called upon the MP, advising him not to confuse people when registering their supported party.
“Do not confuse us. The code is 100, the party is TEP,” Paul said.
Those supporting the TEP party also urged members of the public not to change their registration to the code given by the MP.
However, some supporters of the Mwananchi party have also advised members to join the party, citing that registration should be based on the politicians’ agenda and manifestos.
As members of the public expressed different stands, some have confirmed that they will support Babu in his political bid but will be registered to the Edwin Sifuna’s party.
How Political Party Membership Is Registered
The ORPP operates a digital membership system that lets Kenyans check their political-party membership, join a party, or resign from one.
For electronic registration, a person can use the ORPP membership platform by dialing *509# or through the online system.
The applicant provides the required identification details and selects the political party they wish to join.
After submission, the party processes the application and submits the membership information to the ORPP through the Integrated Political Parties Management System (IPPMS).
For manual registration, the applicant fills out the prescribed membership form and provides identification, such as a national identity card or passport.
The political party records the applicant’s details and submits the membership information to the ORPP for processing.
Under the ORPP regulations on party registration, a person cannot be added to a political party’s membership register without their consent.
Additionally, the ORPP verifies the submitted information and, where applicable, sends the individual a consent request.
Once the membership is verified and the required consent is provided, the person’s details are included in the party’s official membership register.
Political parties must also issue membership cards as evidence of membership.
For full registration, ORPP requires a political party to have at least 1,000 registered voters from more than half of Kenya’s counties, along with requirements on regional and ethnic diversity, gender balance, and representation of special-interest groups.
Babu Owino and Linda Mwananchi Members on Different Political Routes
Babu Owino and Sifuna were among the figures involved in forming and mobilizing Linda Mwananchi as the movement expanded its activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The question of which party would serve as the movement’s electoral vehicle, however, became a point of disagreement in September.
Babu had already secured a political party before Linda Mwananchi was established. The party was originally known as Muungano Party, but was later renamed The Mwananchi Party.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) confirmed the name change on September 10, 2026.
Reports in September indicated that Sifuna was initially expected to use the Ukombozi People’s Party, while Babu proposed that The Mwananchi Party and Ukombozi could operate together under a coalition arrangement while retaining their separate identities.
However, the political arrangement changed when Sifuna was unveiled as the leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party on October 4, 2026.
ORPP records show that it received full registration on March 25, 2022, under certificate serial number 100. Its registered abbreviation is TEP, while its slogan is Tusawazishe.
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