A young woman from Chwele, Bungoma County, captured national attention after holding onto a tree for more than 17 hours to demonstrate solidarity with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The woman, identified as Naliaka, was discovered by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his entourage while en route to Bungoma for Sifuna's homecoming rally on Sunday, July 26.
Support from Babu Owino and Political Leaders
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, present at the scene, highlighted that Naliaka’s protest was driven by dire economic hardships, including unemployment and family poverty. He pledged KSh 10,000 towards supporting her and urged Sifuna to intervene.
Sifuna invited Naliaka to step down from the tree, declaring her gesture complete. He assured her protection and expressed gratitude for her backing of the movement.
Fundraising Effort Raises Over KSh 110,000
Following the encounter, Sifuna spearheaded a swift fundraising drive that garnered contributions from several senior politicians:
- Edwin Sifuna – KSh 10,000
- George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia Governor) – KSh 10,000
- Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga Senator) – KSh 5,000
- Majimbo Kalasinga (MP) – KSh 10,000
- James Orengo (Siaya Governor) – KSh 10,000
- Boni Khalwale (Kakamega Senator) – KSh 10,000
- Jack Wamboka (Bumula MP) – KSh 10,000
- Eric Wekesa (MCA) – KSh 5,000
- Simiyu – KSh 1,000
- Brian (individual donor) – KSh 10,000
- Wycliffe Wangamati (former Governor) – KSh 10,000
- Eric Shiangaya – KSh 10,000
- Zachariah Barasa (Bungoma politician) – KSh 10,000
Additional donations from residents and aspiring leaders pushed the total above KSh 110,000.
Following the fundraising, Naliaka was escorted to Bungoma to participate in the homecoming proceedings, marking a significant moment of community support within the Linda Mwananchi movement.
