As the Linda Mwananchi movement continued its political tour across Western Kenya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said its biggest source of strength was not wealthy sponsors but thousands of ordinary Kenyans making small financial contributions to support its activities.
Addressing supporters at rallies held in several trading centres across Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, Sifuna said the movement's paybill had been receiving daily contributions from wananchi, with many choosing to send as little as Sh10. He said the steady flow of donations reflected growing confidence in the movement and its message.
"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 senator said the movement was determined to show that a national political campaign could be sustained through public support instead of relying on a handful of wealthy individuals or influential financiers.
He urged Kenyans to continue backing what he described as a citizen-led movement that champions accountability, good governance and greater public involvement in leadership.
The Trans Nzoia tour attracted large crowds as the Linda Mwananchi team stepped up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna was joined by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders associated with the movement, with each calling for increased public participation in the country's political future.
The latest tour comes weeks after the movement settled on Sifuna as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. Governor Natembeya was also assigned the role of coordinating mobilisation efforts across the Western region as the movement expands its reach.
During the rallies, Natembeya urged residents to unite behind the movement, saying Kenya required leadership that placed the needs of citizens above personal interests.
Khalwale appealed to leaders from Western Kenya to work together in pursuit of a stronger regional voice in national politics, while Babu Owino encouraged young people to register as voters and actively take part in shaping the country's future.
The Trans Nzoia rallies are part of an ongoing nationwide campaign by the Linda Mwananchi movement aimed at strengthening its grassroots network before next year's General Election.
The leaders are expected to continue their engagements in Western Kenya with a major rally planned in Bungoma as they seek to widen their support across the region.
Sifuna insisted that the movement's progress would be determined by the commitment of ordinary Kenyans rather than financial influence, saying every donation represented hope for a new political culture.
"Our strength lies with the people. Every contribution, no matter how small, shows that Kenyans want a different kind of politics, one funded and driven by wananchi themselves," he said.