The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Trans Nzoia County — A political rally in Kiminini took an unexpected turn on Sunday when residents began voluntarily contributing cash to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement, transforming the roadside gathering into an impromptu fundraiser.
Supporters pushed through the crowd toward Sifuna’s vehicle, offering whatever they could — coins worth Sh20, Sh50 notes, and other small change — in a visible display of grassroots backing for the movement. Clips of the scene quickly spread across social media.
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Accepting the contributions, Sifuna framed the moment as proof that his movement would answer to everyday citizens rather than deep-pocketed backers. He said he would rather owe his political fortunes to thousands of small donors than to a single wealthy patron, arguing that such benefactors typically expect favors — including lucrative contracts — once their candidate gains power, favors he said often go undelivered in the form of real development like roads.
He reiterated that the movement intends to keep leaning on modest, widespread donations from Kenyans nationwide, calling that model more meaningful than support from a few influential elites.
Reinforcing the fundraising push, former Jubilee Party official Pauline Njoroge urged the public to chip in even as little as Sh10 to help cover the movement’s operational costs and its efforts to organize supporters across the country.
The donation drive followed remarks made days earlier by Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who cast doubt on whether Sifuna could bankroll a viable presidential run.
Speaking at a fundraiser in Lurambi, Kakamega County, Atwoli argued that a serious presidential bid demands not just money but powerful alliances, and suggested he himself had the connections needed to raise significant campaign funds.
Sifuna pushed back on that characterization, saying he had no intention of courting wealthy sponsors or accepting contributions that come with strings attached — insisting instead that ordinary Kenyans, giving small amounts, would be the backbone of his campaign.
