Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has claimed that a prominent Kenyan offered to bankroll his political activities with Ksh 1 billion, but he rejected the proposal in favor of raising funds from ordinary citizens through the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Sifuna said the offer came as the movement was encouraging Kenyans to contribute small amounts through its paybill number to support its activities.
According to Sifuna, the wealthy individual advised him to abandon the public fundraising campaign, assuring him that he would provide Ksh 1 billion instead.
“There was a prominent person who said, ‘Forget these 10 shillings, you can call me, and I’ll give you Ksh 1 billion,'” Sifuna revealed.
However, the Nairobi Senator said he declined the offer because he believes political leaders should be accountable to the citizens who elect and support them, not wealthy financiers whose interests could influence their decisions.
“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 pointed to former U.S. President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign as an example of how small contributions from ordinary citizens can successfully fund a political movement.
“Barack Obama received one of the highest small donor contributions for his campaign,” he noted.
The senator also shared an emotional experience from a visit to Kiminini Market, where traders contributed small donations to the Linda Mwananchi Movement despite facing economic hardships.
“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, and for them to say they are going to spare the little they have, I will never forget,” Sifuna said.
