Sifuna clarifies claims tycoon Ibrahim Ambwere will bankroll his presidential campaign
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 25, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims that Western Kenya businessman Ibrahim Ambwere is planning to bankroll his 2027 presidential campaign.
Speaking during an interview with local media stations from Western Kenya on Friday, July 24, 2026, at his Siaka home ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, Sifuna distanced himself from the reports, terming them as mere social media speculation.
The former ODM Secretary-General said Ambwere himself has not publicly declared that he intended to finance his presidential bid.
“Sijui kama hiyo ya Ambwere ni kweli, maana mitandaoni kuna mambo mingi, ssa wewe kama mwanahabari unafaa kujua gani ni kweli gani si kweli”
Sifuna maintained that the reports circulating online should not be treated as factual, noting that they had been spread without any confirmation from the businessman.
His remarks come after social media was awash with claims that Ambwere, a prominent businessman from Western Kenya, was preparing to finance Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
Who is Ambwere?
Ambwere, who owns a chain of businesses across Western Kenya, including Ambwere Plaza complexes in Vihiga, Kakamega, Kitale, Webuye and several other towns, and father to melody sinzore, a famous media pasonality, had been for the recent past widely linked to Sifuna’s growing political movement.
The speculation gained further traction after Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale shared a newspaper cutting on his social media pages carrying claims that the tycoon was among the financiers expected to back Sifuna’s campaign.
The reports have also emerged at a time when a section of Western Kenya leaders allied to Sifuna are exploring ways of mobilising resources to support the Linda Mwananchi movement and raise funds for his anticipated 2027 presidential bid.
Malala’s Ksh3 billion drive
Former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, who recently declared his support for the Nairobi senator, acknowledged that it is true Sifuna cannot mount a successful presidential campaign without the necessary financial resources.
Sifuna’s Bukhungu fundraiser
He further suggested 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 3,000; kila mtu achange ksh1,000,000. Yote itakuwa Ksh 3 billion. Let’s have a Ksh1 million dinner plate fundraiser at Bukhungu Stadium; that will be enough to kickstart Sifuna’s campaign.”
Sifuna’s campaign paybill
The fundraising push also follows the recent launch of the Linda Mwananchi campaign paybill, which sifuan reports its receiving over Ksh1 million daily, which also supporters have been using to make contributions towards the movement’s activities