Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have hit a regulatory setback after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejected their proposal to rename the United Democratic Party (UDP).
The leaders sought to rebrand UDP, an outfit associated with the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, into the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP) as a vehicle for their political movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a decision dated September 8, 2026, the Registrar declined the requested changes to the party’s name, theme colors, and symbols, citing statutory restrictions under Section 8(c) of the Political Parties Act.
The regulator noted that the proposed name closely resembles “The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA),” a name reserved by another applicant on July 20, 2026, following the rebranding of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance.
Under the law, the Registrar must refuse any application if a proposed political party name or abbreviation closely resembles an existing entity or previously reserved name.
Clock Ticking on IEBC Deadlines
The legal and administrative hurdles come at a crucial time, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) issued strict regulatory timelines for the 2027 polls.
According to gazetted guidelines, political parties intending to field candidates must submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorized officials to the IEBC on or before Thursday, October 15, 2026. Participating parties must also submit certified nomination rules to the electoral body by October 30, 2026.
Despite the tight deadlines, Sifuna insists that the movement is well organized and will formally unveil its strategic political vehicle to the public at the appropriate time.
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