Linda Mwananchi leaders during their Western Region tour / HANDOUT
The Linda Mwananchi movement has raised Sh1, 629, 662 million during its Western Kenya tour led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the weekend.
According to figures released by the movement, the funds were collected through cash and M-Pesa contributions from thousands of supporters who attended rallies across the region.
Bungoma recorded the highest collections, raising Sh914, 473 through M-Pesa donations from 13,528 contributors.
Kitale followed with Sh692, 124 raised through M-Pesa contributions from 9,952 donors, while Kamukuywa contributed Sh23,065 in cash donations.
Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi movement across the Western region, where he held public rallies and met residents.
Following the fundraising drive, Linda Mwananchi thanked residents of the Western region for turning out in large numbers and contributing to the movement.
The movement said the support and donations reflected growing grassroots
backing for its activities.
On Sunday, residents of Kiminini in Trans Nzoia county turned a roadside political rally into a fundraising drive after making spontaneous cash contributions to the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Supporters donated amounts ranging from Sh20 coins to Sh50 notes and other small denominations as they thronged Sifuna's convoy in a show of support for his political movement.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents making their way through the crowd to reach Sifuna's vehicle, with many handing over the little money they had to support the movement's activities.
Receiving the donations, Sifuna said the gesture demonstrated that his political movement would be financed by ordinary Kenyans 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 supporters.
He argued that reliance on a handful of wealthy financiers often compromises leaders once they 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," he said.
Sifuna hailed Kenyans for financially supporting the Linda Mwananchi movement, saying small public contributions have enabled the outfit to sustain its nationwide political campaign without relying on wealthy benefactors.
The Senator said the movement's paybill had continued to receive donations from Kenyans, describing the contributions as a demonstration of growing public confidence in the initiative.
"They said we don't have money, but the paybill is bringing in money every day. I want to thank you for the many Sh10 contributions you have sent," Sifuna said.
"We don't need (government's money). We will walk with the power of the citizens."
The Linda Mwananchi team made stops at several trading centres across the county, drawing large crowds as leaders intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna was accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders allied to the movement.
