A public fundraising drive by the Linda Mwananchi movement brought in more than Sh3 million in just one day, giving fresh energy to its campaign to finance its activities through contributions from ordinary Kenyans.
The movement announced that it collected Sh3,000,617.28 on July 31, according to figures shared on its social media platforms, making it one of the highest amounts it has raised in a single day since launching the initiative.
The collection came on the final day of July after supporters responded to the Friday Sh100 challenge, an appeal that encouraged Kenyans to make small donations through the movement's paybill number.
“Small acts, big impact, real change. Every contribution counts. Asanteni sana!” the sticker reads.
The movement also expressed gratitude to those who took part in the fundraiser, saying their support continues to strengthen its vision.
“Thank you, Kenyans! Your generosity, belief and commitment are driving this movement forward. Together, we are building a united, strong and prosperous Kenya,” the post added.
Over the past few weeks, the movement has stepped up its appeal for financial support from the public, urging Kenyans to contribute any amount they can afford through its paybill platform.
The fundraising campaign is part of Linda Mwananchi's plan to build a political movement supported by many small donors instead of relying on a handful of wealthy financiers.
Edwin Sifuna, who is associated with the movement, has maintained that every contribution received through the paybill will be properly managed and accounted for.
Speaking during a media interview, Sifuna said the movement continues to receive donations from Kenyans of goodwill who believe in its agenda.
He said public fundraising is a practice seen in mature democracies where citizens directly finance political leaders and movements they choose to support.
“In mature democracies, it is the public that finances leaders to be able to run for office,” he said.
Sifuna added that the fundraising model allows Linda Mwananchi to widen its support base by drawing resources from many Kenyans rather than depending on a few wealthy individuals to fund its operations.
Since its launch earlier this year, the movement has continued to expand its grassroots mobilisation while encouraging supporters across the country to take part in its fundraising efforts.
The paybill campaign was introduced last month to make it easier for supporters to give voluntary donations, with contributions starting from as little as Sh10.
The latest collection of more than Sh3 million is among the biggest daily totals publicised by the movement so far and shows how thousands of small donations can grow into a substantial amount when supporters contribute together.
Its Friday Sh100 challenge also appeared to play a major role in the day's performance, with the movement urging Kenyans to make a simple contribution while reminding them that every amount counts towards its activities.