Edwin Sifuna at Trans Nzoia on Saturday…….Photo/IP
ALEX WEKESA
KIMININI, TRANS NZOIA
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pushed back against claims that anyone seeking the presidency must first secure the backing of billionaires, saying the support of ordinary Kenyans is enough to build a winning campaign.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kiminini on Sunday, Sifuna pointed to the cash donations made by residents as evidence that wananchi are ready to finance leaders they believe in.
Addressing supporters, the senator said he had been counting the money contributed by residents and described the gesture as a powerful sign of public trust in the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna said he would rather receive small contributions from millions of Kenyans than accept millions of shillings from a single wealthy individual, arguing that leaders who are funded by citizens remain answerable to the people instead of a few powerful financiers.
He added that if elected, a government backed by ordinary wananchi would focus on easing the cost of living, including lowering fuel prices, to improve the lives of Kenyans.
Although he did not mention anyone by name, his remarks appeared to be a response to recent comments by COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who suggested that a successful presidential campaign requires significant financial backing and influential networks. Atwoli had previously said he could raise KSh1 billion for Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
Sifuna has repeatedly rejected the idea of depending on wealthy donors, maintaining that large campaign contributions often come with expectations of political favours. Instead, he says the Linda Mwananchi movement is built on the strength of ordinary Kenyans making small but meaningful contributions.
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