Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has rejected allegations that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is financing the Linda Mwananchi movement. Speaking on Citizen TV's The Explainer on Tuesday night, Sifuna clarified that the movement has not received monetary support or campaign strategies from Uhuru.
Instead, the initiative depends on grassroots contributions, recently launching an M-Pesa paybill to collect small donations for logistics, rallies, and security. This crowdfunding effort encourages ordinary Kenyans to support the campaign.
Relationship with Former President
Sifuna confirmed ongoing communication with Uhuru due to his leadership role in the opposition coalition Azimio. He noted the former president’s friendship with the late Raila Odinga facilitates occasional interactions.
"I speak to him because he's the party leader of Azimio. And he was a friend to the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. So when you run into him, you talk to him," Sifuna said.
Uhuru's Role in Youth Leadership
While Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly encouraged young people to engage in politics and leadership roles, Sifuna emphasized that this encouragement does not extend to financial or strategic backing.
"He does not provide financial assistance, maybe just encouraging us," Sifuna explained. "When he speaks, and he does it in public, he says young people need to be encouraged to take leadership."
The senator highlighted that many youths have since pursued elective positions at various levels of government, inspired by this call.
Funding Philosophy
Regarding campaign financing, Sifuna expressed a preference for broad-based support from ordinary citizens rather than relying on a few wealthy donors.
"I would rather be indebted to 10 million Kenyans who've sent me 10 bob each, than two people sitting and saying we have 5 million shillings each," he stated, underscoring the movement's desire to avoid the corrupting influence of large donations.
