Atwoli to Sifuna: Sh5 market donations won’t make you president

During a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia county, in July, residents contributed small amounts to the movement. Sifuna said he preferred receiving small contributions from many Kenyans rather than relying on a single wealthy financier.

The disagreement over campaign financing has become part of the wider debate surrounding Sifuna’s presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Atwoli has previously told Sifuna that his time to seek the presidency had not yet come, urging him to focus on building a political team before pursuing a national campaign.

“The time is not ripe for the young man. The time is not now for Edwin Sifuna, but we are recognising his introduction,” Atwoli said.

“He is going to be there after us, but the time is not now.”

Atwoli said political leaders should be honest with Sifuna about the challenges ahead rather than encouraging him to pursue an ambition for which he was, in his view, not adequately prepared.

We must be sincere, specific and honest and tell him his time is not now,” Atwoli said.

Sifuna, meanwhile, has continued with Linda Mwananchi grassroots mobilisation, including rallies and engagements with supporters across the country.