Fresh Trouble for Sifuna as Party Member Moves to Block Linda Mwananchi Convention

The fresh complaint has raised questions about the internal organisation of The Equitable Party, which Sifuna is seeking to transform into the Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Emmanuel Willyngtone Khamala has petitioned the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, asking it to suspend the planned conference. He argues that the party has failed to establish properly elected grassroots structures that would provide a legitimate basis for selecting delegates.

Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Khamala claims that the party has not conducted elections for branch officials, county representatives and polling station committees since its formation.

He argues that the absence of elected grassroots structures makes it difficult to establish whether the delegates expected to attend the November 13 meeting were selected in accordance with the party constitution.

The complainant further questions how the party intends to establish the required quorum when the eligibility of delegates has allegedly not been properly verified.

Khamala has also challenged the manner in which the movement's proposed national leadership was unveiled. He claims registered members were not given an opportunity to scrutinise the appointments, express interest in positions or participate in approving the proposed officials.

The dispute comes after Sifuna unveiled the Linda Mwananchi Movement's proposed leadership during the launch of its headquarters on October 30.

The proposed changes include renaming The Equitable Party, changing its colours and symbol, amending its constitution and establishing a new leadership structure.

Khamala argues that fundamental changes to the party must follow procedures outlined in its constitution, including the required voting thresholds and quorum.

He has asked the tribunal to suspend the conference and compel the party to conduct transparent grassroots elections before proceeding with the planned changes.

The latest complaint adds to other legal disputes involving the party's November 13 convention, with previous applicants also questioning delegate selection, the conference agenda and proposed constitutional amendments.

The tribunal is yet to determine the latest application, leaving uncertainty over the planned meeting as Sifuna continues efforts to establish a political vehicle for the 2027 elections.

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