NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna says Safaricom PLC has shut down the M-Pesa Paybill used to collect donations for the Linda Mwananchi movement, claiming the decision was made “on orders from above.”
The senator made the revelation on Thursday, days after launching a public fundraising drive that encouraged Kenyans to contribute as little as Sh10 to support the movement’s activities.
The campaign had gained significant traction, raising more than Sh2.2 million within 36 hours, according to figures shared by the movement.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Sifuna said that the Paybill had been deactivated and suggested that political interference was behind the move.
“Safaricom has closed the Linda Mwananchi Paybill Number on orders from above,” Sifuna claimed.
The Paybill, registered under Sifuna’s name, was unveiled earlier this week as a crowdfunding platform for the Linda Mwananchi movement, with supporters urged to make voluntary contributions to finance rallies, logistics and mobilisation activities.
Sifuna had promoted the initiative as a grassroots alternative to political financing by wealthy donors, insisting the movement would be funded by ordinary Kenyans.
The campaign quickly attracted thousands of contributors, with organisers saying donations ranged from Sh1 to Sh5,000.