Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has encouraged residents of Western Kenya to follow the example set by voters in the recent Ol Kalou by-election by accepting government handouts and channeling support to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi campaign.

Speaking during the Kimilili stop of the ongoing Western Kenya tour on July 26, 2026, Osotsi highlighted how the Ol Kalou electorate received daily cash handouts from the government and urged the Waluhya community to similarly accept such support. He said, “Serikali wanaita vijana wa boda boda na wamama siku nzima wanawapea shilingi 200 tu siku nzima. Tunawaambia hivi Waluhya, mfanye vile watu wa Ol Kalou walifanya: wakileta hiyo pesa mnakula, halafu mnawachisha kidogo mnatumia Sifuna kwa paybill.”

The push for grassroots funding was evident during a stopover in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, where supporters contributed cash donations to Sifuna amidst a rally led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The campaign convoy had earlier attended a church service in Kitale before proceeding to Bungoma for a large gathering at the Posta Grounds.

In his address, Sifuna revealed that the Linda Mwananchi paybill had amassed Ksh3 million in under three days, driven largely by small contributions, some as little as Ksh10 from ordinary Kenyans. He emphasized the importance of grassroots funding over wealthy backers, reiterating his rejection of an offer from COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to raise Ksh1 billion for a potential presidential bid.

Sifuna stated: “I would rather be indebted to Kenyans because they gave me Ksh10 than Atwoli. Afadhali kuwa na deni ya mwananchi kuliko mdosi mmoja anakupea milioni kumi.” He further said that a government funded by ordinary citizens would be more accountable and committed to reducing living costs, including fuel prices.

Reflecting on the Ol Kalou by-election, Sifuna noted that money alone does not guarantee electoral success. Osotsi echoed this lesson, encouraging Western Kenya voters to accept government handouts while supporting the Linda Mwananchi movement through their paybill.

The campaign convoy continued its mobilisation efforts across Western Kenya, heading to Bungoma after the Kiminini rally, with leaders urging supporters to continue making modest contributions ahead of the 2027 General Election.