Blow for Kalonzo after Murkomen's new move
Murkomen's move came after Kalonzo's meeting at the Kamba Unity Forum
Murkomen on Tuesday wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties objecting to the use of the brand name “OKM” by any political organization saying it was his trademark and as such protected by law established.
Speaking during the Kamba Unity Forum in Machakos County on Monday, Musyoka announced that his party (Wiper) will be renamed to One Kenya Movement (OKM) stating that the rebranding would help embrace all Kenyans and penetrate different parts of the country.
“There is need to rebrand our party to be able to compete with others at national level. One Kenya means one people and we will embrace all as we seek the presidency of this country,” he said.
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However, Murkomen in the letter to the Registrar, through Sing'oei Murkomen & Sigei Advocates, said the initials OKM (which stand for his full names - Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen) is a well-known trademark used exclusively by him.
"Our client has since 2010 used the mark OKM to brand his political career and campaign merchandise. Our client has further used OKM for philanthropic support towards, education, entertainment, sports and cultural activities among others. The mark is popularly associated with our client by millions of people in Kenya given our client's prominence in society and as the leader of the Majority Party in the Senate," the letter read in part.
The Elgeyo Marakwet Senator termed the move by Musyoka to re-brand to OKM as mischievous and aimed at exploiting his well-known political brand.
"Our client will suffer great financial and personal loss by the continued usage of OKM by the Wiper Party in their political activities," the letter added.
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