The dispute over the use of the Ukombozi name has intensified within Kenya’s opposition, following the decision by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to rebrand itself as the Ukombozi Alliance. The development has triggered competing claims involving the political camp associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, which had been linked to plans to establish a political vehicle under the name Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Natembeya-Linked Party Challenges Ukombozi Alliance
The Ukombozi People’s Party has petitioned the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) seeking intervention over the use and reservation of the Ukombozi name. Party Secretary-General Allan Akivaga says the party had secured reservation of the name in March 2025 before later asking the Registrar to discontinue its registration process.
The party now wants the registration process reconsidered and has challenged the adoption of the Ukombozi Alliance name by the Azimio coalition. Akivaga has questioned how the name could subsequently be used by another political formation, arguing that the party’s reservation remained valid.
However, the ORPP has maintained that it did not approve or authorise the use of Ukombozi People’s Party by the United Democratic Party (UDP). In a September 8, 2026 letter, the Registrar said the proposed name resembled The Ukombozi Alliance, which had been reserved by another applicant on July 20, 2026.
ORPP at Centre of Naming Dispute
The disagreement has placed the Registrar of Political Parties at the centre of competing claims over the history of the Ukombozi name. Reports indicate that documents dating back to March 2025 showed the name Ukombozi People’s Party had been approved for reservation to an applicant associated with Allan Jayuga Akivaga.
The later decision by the ORPP to reject UDP’s proposed change of name has added another layer to the dispute, with the Registrar citing provisions of the Political Parties Act concerning names that closely resemble those of other political parties or legal entities. At the same time, Wiper officials have disputed claims that the Ukombozi identity originated with Sifuna’s political camp, arguing that Kalonzo Musyoka had previously used related terminology in his political messaging.
Sifuna’s Political Plans Face Uncertainty
The naming dispute comes as Sifuna and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement work to establish a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 elections. The Ukombozi People’s Party had been discussed as one possible vehicle for the movement. Reports have indicated that Sifuna’s team has also been considering other existing political parties as it seeks to settle on a platform.
The latest dispute follows the launch of The Mwananchi Party by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has separately expressed support for Sifuna’s political ambitions. Reports have also indicated discussions about how the two political formations could relate to the wider Linda Mwananchi movement.
Kalonzo’s Ukombozi Alliance
The controversy emerged shortly after Kalonzo Musyoka announced that the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition had adopted the name The Ukombozi Alliance. The rebranding has since become a source of disagreement between political camps associated with Kalonzo and Sifuna, with competing claims over the reservation and use of the Ukombozi identity.
The disagreement comes as opposition leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with party structures, alliances and political vehicles becoming increasingly important as preparations for the polls progress.
Sifuna has previously indicated that his political camp would unveil its own vehicle, with reports pointing to an early October launch. However, the ongoing dispute over the Ukombozi name has introduced uncertainty around the branding of that political vehicle.
