Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has appeared to launch another indirect attack on Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli over campaign financing.

Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Sifuna said ordinary citizens had contributed money to the movement.

The rally formed part of Linda Mwananchi’s tour of Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.

“Governor, nilikuwa hapa chini nikihesabu ile pesa watu wa Kiminini wameweka ndani ya Linda Mwananchi,” Sifuna said.

He said politicians do not need wealthy individuals to fund their campaigns when citizens are willing to contribute.

Sifuna backs citizen-funded campaigns

Sifuna appeared to respond to leaders who have questioned whether he can finance a national presidential campaign.

“Kwa wale watu walisema hauwezi kuwa rais bila pesa, nataka niwaambie ya kwamba wananchi ni kila kitu,” he said.

The senator said he would rather depend on ordinary Kenyans than accept Ksh10 million from one wealthy person.

“Mimi kama Sifuna nimesema afadhali kuwa na deni ya mwananchi kuliko mdosi mmoja anakupea milioni kumi,” he said.

Sifuna added that a citizen-funded government would repay its supporters by reducing the cost of living.

“Tukiingia serikalini, tunapunguza bei ya mafuta na ten bob, then deni inaisha,” he said.

He did not mention Atwoli by name. However, the remarks appeared connected to their recent disagreement over how a presidential campaign should be funded.

Atwoli offered to raise Ksh1B

Atwoli recently told Sifuna that he could help raise Ksh1 billion for his presidential campaign within one minute.

He made the remarks during a fundraiser at Mwichina Church of God in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Atwoli argued that presidential campaigns require money, networks and the backing of established leaders.

Sifuna later rejected the offer. He said he would rather receive Ksh10 from millions of Kenyans than depend on one powerful financier.

He argued that wealthy campaign donors could later demand government tenders and other favours. Sifuna has positioned Linda Mwananchi as a movement financed through small public contributions.