Kiminini residents rally behind Sifuna with small cash donations
Residents of Kiminini in Trans Nzoia County turned a roadside political rally into an impromptu fundraising drive on Sunday, handing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna small cash donations in a public show of support for his Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Supporters streamed towards Sifuna’s convoy, contributing what they could afford. The donations ranged from Sh20 coins and Sh50 notes to other small amounts, underscoring the movement’s appeal for grassroots financing.
Videos shared online showed residents weaving through crowds to reach Sifuna’s vehicle, where they personally handed over their contributions.
Addressing supporters, Sifuna said the donations reflected the kind of politics he wanted to champion one financed by ordinary citizens rather than wealthy individuals seeking influence.
“They said one cannot be president in this country without money. I would rather be indebted to the people giving me as little as Sh10 than be indebted to one person who will give me Sh10 million,” Sifuna told the crowd.
He argued that dependence on a handful of wealthy financiers often creates obligations that can shape decisions once leaders assume office.
“Those people will give you Sh10 million and then follow us when we take over the leadership of the country and demand to be given huge contracts. If you give them the job, they will not do it. They will not build any road for you,” he said.
Sifuna maintained that his movement would continue relying on modest contributions from supporters across the country, saying broad public participation was more important than large donations from influential backers.
Former Jubilee official Pauline Njoroge echoed that message during the event, urging supporters to contribute as little as Sh10 to help fund the movement’s logistics and nationwide mobilisation.
The fundraising effort comes days after Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli questioned whether Sifuna had the financial backing needed to mount a serious presidential campaign.
Speaking at a church fundraiser in Lurambi, Kakamega County, Atwoli argued that anyone seeking the presidency required substantial financial resources and strong political networks.
“I have seen one of our sons announcing to become President, but you cannot be a President with an individual’s money or borrowed money; you need friends,” Atwoli said, adding that he had the networks to mobilise significant campaign resources.
Sifuna has rejected that argument, insisting he has no intention of relying on wealthy financiers or accepting donations that could come with political expectations. Instead, he says his campaign will be sustained by ordinary Kenyans making small but voluntary contributions.
The exchange reflects a broader debate over how political campaigns should be financed in Kenya, with Sifuna presenting grassroots fundraising as an alternative to traditional models that often depend on wealthy donors and political patrons.
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