Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has proposed a KSh3 billion fundraising drive among Western Kenya residents to kick-start Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential campaign.

Speaking during a podcast at his home in Makunga, Kakamega County, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader reiterated that he is firmly behind Sifuna’s presidential bid.

He acknowledged the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General’s growing popularity, saying his political star can no longer be ignored.

The outspoken politician stated that if the Western Kenya region truly wants one of its own to contest for the country’s top seat, residents must begin by financing his campaign. He urged the community to pool its resources together to realise the Nairobi senator’s presidential ambitions.

Malala proposed that the fundraising drive be launched at Bukhungu Stadium, where residents would first contribute cows, goats, and other food items to cater for guests attending the event. He further suggested erecting a tent with a capacity of 3,000 people, with every attendee required to contribute Ksh1 million for a seat.

According to him, this would raise KSh3 billion, enough to kick-start Sifuna’s presidential campaign.

“Tuweka tent ya watu 3000 pale Bukhungu, si waluhya wanasema wao, sijui, wako million ngapi? Sisi tunataka tu Waluhya 3000; kila mtu achange ksh1,000,000. Yote itakuwa Ksh3 billion. Let’s have a Ksh1 million dinner plate fundraiser at Bukhungu Stadium; that will be enough to kickstart Sifuna’s campaign.”

He added that once the initiative succeeds in Western Kenya, it should be replicated by other communities that support the “Sisi ni Sifuna” movement in order to strengthen the senator’s presidential bid.

Malala also proposed that young people who believe in the movement be provided with a Paybill number through which they can contribute at least Ksh100 each to support the campaign.

Malala dismisses Atwoli

Malala dismissed remarks by some Western Kenya leaders, led by COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who recently questioned Sifuna’s presidential ambitions on the grounds that he lacks the financial muscle to mount a successful campaign.

According to Malala, money alone does not make someone a good leader, arguing that goodwill from the people is more important than financial resources.

He cited the 2002 presidential election, saying the late President Mwai Kibaki and the late Vice President Kijana Wamalwa did not have financial resources comparable to those of the ruling establishment at the time, yet they still emerged victorious.

He further recalled that in Wamalwa’s case, a fundraising event was held at Kakamega Golf Club to help raise fuel money for his campaigns, demonstrating that public support can overcome financial limitations. Malala also noted that the fundraiser should happen immediately after Sifuna’s homecoming at Bungoma Posta grounds on July 26.

Natembeya’s suggestion

Malala’s remarks come just days after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also suggested launching a fundraising drive and establishing a Paybill account to help bankroll Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.

Natembeya argued that even money being distributed by politicians allied to the state should be accepted by Sifuna’s supporters, with half of it being donated to the campaign kitty. He maintained that such contributions would help strengthen the senator’s presidential bid.

Approval from Mulembe leaders

The latest calls also come at a time when a section of Western Kenya leaders appears to have embraced Sifuna’s presidential ambitions. In recent weeks, politicians and aspirants involved in planning Sifuna’s upcoming homecoming have pledged to dispose of some of their assets to support his campaign.

Similar sentiments were also expressed during the burial of the brother of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, where mourners repeatedly chanted “Leta Paybill”, further signalling growing grassroots support for fundraising efforts aimed at financing Sifuna’s presidential campaign.