Sifuna defends Linda Mwananchi paybill, hits out at critics as donations stream in
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 25, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has defended the newly launched Linda Mwananchi movement paybill, dismissing critics who claimed the fundraising initiative would fail and insisting the movement is already receiving financial support from Kenyans.
Speaking during a public event during the movement’s tour in the Western region on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Sifuna said those who predicted the paybill would not attract contributions had been proven wrong, maintaining that the movement does not need financial backing from President William Ruto’s camp.
“Walisema hatutaingiza pesa, lakini Paybill inaingiza pesa. Hatuna haja na pesa za Kasongo!” Sifuna declared.
The Nairobi Senator said the steady flow of donations demonstrated that ordinary Kenyans were ready to finance the Linda Mwananchi movement without relying on government-linked funding or politically connected donors.
Sifuna calls on late Raila’s followers to join Linda Mwananchi
Sifuna also expressed confidence that the movement would continue to grow, predicting that many supporters of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would eventually join its ranks.
“Mimi naona mwangaza hapa mbele. Kuna uwezekanao kwamba wengi ambao walikua wanamuunga Mheshimiwa Raila, kuja na sisi katika vuguvugu letu la Linda Mwananchi,” he said.
The comments come days after the Linda Mwananchi movement unveiled its paybill as part of a grassroots fundraising campaign aimed at financing its activities through contributions from supporters. The initiative seeks to build a financially independent political movement driven by ordinary Kenyans.
The launch of the paybill has generated debate, with critics questioning whether the movement can sustain its operations through public donations. However, Sifuna maintained that the response from supporters had already disproved those claims.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has in recent weeks intensified grassroots mobilisation across the country as it seeks to expand its support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has consistently argued that political movements should be funded by their supporters to safeguard their independence and accountability while reducing reliance on wealthy financiers or state-linked resources.