How presidential aspirants are turning to Kenyans for campaign donations

In a political era dominated by deep pockets and donor dinners, two presidential hopefuls, have been rewriting the rules of campaign financing turning directly to Kenyans for financial support.

The former Chief Justice, David Maraga who was known to nullify the 2017 presidential elections recently made a public appeal for asking Kenyans not just for votes but also campaign contributions.

The jurist who has long championed for integrity and constitutionalism, insists a truly-people centered campaign should be owned by the people.

Now eyeing for the presidency, Maraga recently launched a Wanjiku-funded-presidency inviting Kenyans to contribute as little as 10 shillings.

He also pledged to inject up to two million Kenyan shillings of his savings and return any extra finances for public courses.

"We are going to appeal to Kenyans to contribute to our campaign. I will put in about KSh 1 million-2 million, I don't have much money. We are in fact hoping to get excess and whatever is left will go to a public course," quoted former chief justice, David Maraga.

Maraga's call resonates as a response to vote-buying and elite-driven campaigns.

Similarly, a bold youthful figure in Kenya's political scene, Morara Kebaso made headlines in 2024 when he asked Kenyans to help raise money to fund civic education tours using a sound system-fitted vehicle.

"15 million people, if we contribute Sh 100 each that's Sh 1.5 billion, that's enough to fund our campaigns and we will win the presidency, just Sh 100 and we win," quoted Morara Kebaso.

Known for exposing government stalled projects, he defended his move by arguing it was a necessity in a skewed political space even creating a finance committee to ensure transparency.

While Maraga appeals through a platform of justice and professionalism, Morara represents grassroots activism driven by public accountability.

Critics argue that in a struggling economy ordinary Kenyans can hardly afford to foot political bills.

While others say it is the only way to break the grip of wealthy cartels on public office.

Both men reject the politics of bribery, elite donors, choosing instead to place their future and faith in the hands of ordinary Kenyans.

Their efforts reflect a growing push for citizen-driven politics, where honesty and accountability could one day matter more than money and power.