NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the Linda Mwananchi movement has received about Sh6.5 million through its fundraising paybill, saying the contributions demonstrate a shift in how Kenyans are financing political campaigns.
Speaking during a televised interview, Sifuna, who is a principal in the Linda Mwananchi movement, said the funds had come from ordinary Kenyans contributing small amounts towards the movement’s activities.
“As of today, we had, I think, 6.5 million on that paybill number, and I continue to be eternally grateful. Kenyans are changing the conversation,” Sifuna said.
He argued that in established democracies, citizens often play a major role in funding political campaigns through small donations rather than relying on wealthy individuals.
“In mature democracies, it is the public that finances leaders to be able to run for office,” he said.
Sifuna dismissed suggestions that political campaigns require billions of shillings to succeed, saying public support can provide an alternative funding model.
“It all started with this notion that somehow, we in Linda Mwananchi do not have the money to run a campaign. You don’t need 4 billion to run for office,” he said.
The Nairobi Senator said relying on many small contributions would help protect political leaders from the influence of wealthy financiers.
“There was a prominent person who said forget these 10 shillings, you can call me, and I’ll give you 1 billion. If you want to insulate your leaders from the corrupting influence of money, you should be the ones to say we own this candidate,” he said.
Sifuna recalled receiving small donations from supporters during his engagements across the country, describing the moments as emotional.
“When I got to Kiminini market, and these mamas were bringing 10 and 50 shillings, it was a very emotional moment for me. They are going through a difficult time, for them to say they are going to spare the little they have, I will never forget,” he said.
He added that he would prefer accountability to millions of small donors rather than dependence on a few wealthy contributors.
“I would rather be indebted to 10 million Kenyans who each sent me Sh10 than to two people who each gave me KSh5 million, because there is always a motivation behind such contributions,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna outlines accountability pledge
Sifuna said the movement would account for every contribution received through the paybill, insisting the funds would not be used for personal benefit.
“At the end of this campaign, we will account for every coin that we have received because we are not looking for personal enrichment from that paybill. We have a responsibility to the people contributing this money to explain to them how it is used,” he said.
He also said the movement was working on a policy blueprint after identifying key issues affecting Kenyans.
“We have narrowed down some of the main concerns affecting Kenyans. Tomorrow morning, we will meet with a team of experts from various fields. Together, we will develop a blueprint that we will present to Kenyans, and it will be the product of proper thinking,” he said.
Criticism of State spending
The Nairobi Senator criticised government spending priorities, questioning increased expenditure around State House and proposed infrastructure projects.
“If you look at the ballooning budget for State House, where is that money going to? If you have renovations at State House, changing the roof of State House every three weeks, why is that expenditure necessary?” he posed.
Sifuna also questioned plans to construct a State Lodge in Meru, arguing that resources should be directed towards other national priorities.
“We have a fight in Meru because the president is insisting on building a State Lodge in Meru, which he may spend one night in the five years that he will be president,” he said.
Working with Gachagua
On whether Linda Mwananchi would work with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Sifuna said the movement was open to working with anyone who believes President William Ruto should leave office.
“We will work with everyone who believes that Ruto does not deserve an extra day in office,” he said.
Sifuna acknowledged that he had voted for Gachagua’s impeachment but said the former deputy president had already faced consequences for the issues that led to his removal.
“Gachagua paid for his mistakes, I voted to impeach him, and it was for specific crimes,” he said.
He added that Gachagua’s current opposition to President Ruto was a factor in possible cooperation.
“He is the one who is saying Ruto is an existential threat to the country. He says that he feels largely responsible for Ruto becoming President, and therefore, he has a greater responsibility in removing him than anyone else, and that is something I agree with,” Sifuna said.
“At the end of the day, we have to kick out Ruto,” he added.