Thousands of supporters opened their wallets to back the Linda Mwananchi movement during its weekend tour of Western Kenya, helping the outfit collect Sh1,629,662 through cash and M-Pesa contributions in what leaders described as growing public support for its grassroots campaign.
The money was raised during rallies led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna across several towns in the region, where residents turned up in large numbers and made voluntary donations to the movement.
Figures released by Linda Mwananchi show Bungoma registered the highest collections after supporters contributed Sh914,473 through M-Pesa, with 13,528 people making donations. Kitale followed after raising Sh692,124 from 9,952 contributors through M-Pesa, while Kamukuywa collected Sh23,065 through cash contributions.
Throughout the tour, Sifuna met residents and addressed public gatherings as the movement continued its campaign to expand its presence across the country.
After the fundraising exercise, the movement thanked residents of Western Kenya for the overwhelming turnout and the financial support offered during the tour.
It said the donations reflected increasing confidence in the movement and its activities at the grassroots.
One of the most notable moments came on Sunday in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, where residents transformed a roadside political stop into an impromptu fundraising drive.
Supporters streamed towards Sifuna's convoy carrying small cash donations, with many contributing Sh20 coins, Sh50 notes and other modest amounts to support the movement.
Videos shared on social media captured residents pushing through the crowds to reach the senator's vehicle and hand over their contributions.
Receiving the donations, Sifuna said the gesture demonstrated that his political movement would be financed by ordinary Kenyans rather than wealthy individuals seeking influence.
"They said one cannot be president in this country without money. I would rather be indebted to the people giving me as little as Sh10 than be indebted to one person who will give me Sh10 million," Sifuna told supporters.
He said depending on a few wealthy financiers often comes at a cost once leaders assume office.
"Those people will give you Sh10 million and then follow us when we take over the leadership of the country and demand to be given huge contracts," he said.
Sifuna also praised Kenyans for continuing to support the Linda Mwananchi movement through small contributions, saying the donations had enabled it to sustain its activities across the country without relying on wealthy backers.
He noted that contributions through the movement's paybill continued to grow, saying the steady flow of donations showed more Kenyans were embracing the initiative.
"They said we don't have money, but the paybill is bringing in money every day. I want to thank you for the many Sh10 contributions you have sent," Sifuna said.
"We don't need (government's money). We will walk with the power of the citizens."
The Linda Mwananchi team later visited several trading centres across Trans Nzoia County, drawing large crowds as leaders intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna was accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders allied to the movement.