Sifuna's Bungoma rally breaks tradition as supporters donate cash mid-event

Edwin Sifuna's "Linda Mwananchi" tour took an unusual turn in Bungoma after supporters attending his rally began donating money to fund the movement, reversing the familiar trend in which politicians often pay for crowds to attend campaign events.

The Nairobi senator and presidential hopeful is on the second leg of his tour across Western Kenya, drawing large crowds in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties before culminating the day with a packed rally at Posta Grounds in Bungoma Town.

The day's programme began with a church service at St Immaculate Cathedral before Sifuna's team made stops in Kiminini, Kimilili and Chwele ahead of the Bungoma Town rally.

During the gatherings, organisers appealed for public contributions to help finance the movement's grassroots activities.

Videos seen by TNX Africa showed supporters streaming forward to drop cash and coins into a collection box held by Sifuna, while others contributed through the movement's paybill number.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna: Tutachukua Sh10 bob ya wananchi ili tuwe na deni ya wananchi wetu wote, na nikiingia pale, hata nikipunguza mafuta kwa shilingi kumi, si nitakuwa nimelipa deni.#LindaMwananchi pic.twitter.com/nwg60sK9bG

— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) July 26, 2026

The rare fundraising drive quickly became one of the defining moments of the tour, with supporters voluntarily digging into their own pockets to bankroll the campaign instead of receiving facilitation, as is common at many political rallies.

The enthusiastic reception has further fueled what supporters have dubbed the "Sifuna wave", with the two-day Western Kenya tour widely viewed as the unofficial launch of his 2027 presidential campaign.

His growing profile within the opposition has also attracted leaders from different political parties, signalling possible shifts in the region's political landscape.

The growing momentum comes days after a TIFA poll showed Sifuna recording the biggest gain among leading presidential hopefuls.

His support rose from 10 per cent in May to 15 per cent in June 2026, the largest increase among the major contenders.

According to the survey released on Friday, July 24, 2026, President William Ruto remained the frontrunner with 24 per cent support, followed by Sifuna at 15 per cent.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i polled 14 per cent, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka stood at 13 per cent, underscoring an increasingly competitive opposition field.

The fundraising initiative has also attracted political controversy. Sifuna recently accused state authorities of orchestrating a temporary suspension of the "Linda Mwananchi" paybill, which was set up to receive grassroots donations from as little as Sh10 to cover campaign logistics, travel and security.

According to Sifuna, the paybill was frozen shortly after raising more than Sh2 million.

However, he later announced on his X account that Safaricom had restored the service following public backlash. State authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations.