Sifuna Denies Uhuru Funding Claims, Says Linda Mwananchi Is People-Funded

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has rejected claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is funding his political activities, saying the Linda Mwananchi movement is supported by contributions from ordinary Kenyans.

Speaking on Egesa FM before a planned rally in Gusii, the Nairobi senator said allegations linking him to Kenyatta were false and intended to discredit the movement. He said Linda Mwananchi operates transparently and is financed through public donations. 

“I am not being funded by Uhuru. I am funded by the people. We have a public website, and I can show you our M-Pesa statements that we use to pay our DJ and cater for our podium,” he said.

Sifuna's remarks follow criticism from a section of ODM led by Oburu Oginga, which has accused him of working with Kenyatta to weaken the party and undermine President William Ruto’s chances of re-election. Sifuna rejected the accusations, arguing that they reflect a political culture in which leaders assume that successful movements must be backed by wealthy sponsors.

He said Linda Mwananchi has chosen not to rely on traditional campaign tactics such as distributing cash or branded merchandise. Instead, he said, the movement depends on public support and small donations from its members. The movement has held rallies in Nairobi, Kitengela, Busia, Narok, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa and Machakos. 

Organisers plan to visit at least 24 counties before making a major political announcement in Nairobi later this year. That announcement is expected to determine whether Linda Mwananchi will field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election or join the wider United Opposition coalition.

The United Opposition, led by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, has already expressed interest in working with Sifuna's team to support a single candidate against President Ruto in the next election. The movement's upcoming rallies in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, Kwale and Eldoret will test its ability to build support in different parts of the country. 

It also plans to hold events in Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay as it seeks to strengthen its presence in both ODM strongholds and other key regions. Sifuna said the movement aims to demonstrate that a political organisation can grow through grassroots support rather than financial backing from influential political figures.