Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has proposed raising KSh3 billion from residents in Western Kenya to help Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
Speaking during a podcast at his home in Makunga, Kakamega County, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader said he fully backs Sifuna’s presidential bid. He also pointed to the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General’s rising popularity, saying Sifuna’s political momentum can no longer be ignored.
Malala argued that for Western Kenya to have a representative at the top of the ballot, residents must first fund the effort. He urged communities to pool their resources to support the Nairobi senator’s ambitions.
To launch the drive, Malala suggested holding the event at Bukhungu Stadium, where residents would initially contribute cows, goats, and other food items to host guests. He also proposed setting up a tent with a capacity of 3,000 people, with each attendee contributing KSh1 million for a seat.
He said the plan would generate KSh3 billion, which would be enough to kick-start Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
“Tuweka tent ya watu 3000 pale Bukhungu, si waluhya wanasema wao, sijui, wako million ngapi? Sisi tunataka tu Waluhya 3000; kila mtu achange ksh1,000,000. Yote itakuwa Ksh3 billion. Let’s have a Ksh1 million dinner plate fundraiser at Bukhungu Stadium; that will be enough to kickstart Sifuna’s campaign.”
He added that if the initiative succeeds in Western Kenya, other communities backing the “Sisi ni Sifuna” movement should replicate it to strengthen the senator’s presidential bid.
Malala also proposed that young people who support the movement be given a Paybill number through which they can contribute at least KSh100 each toward the campaign.
At the same time, Malala dismissed comments by some Western Kenya leaders, including COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who recently questioned Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, arguing that the senator lacks the financial muscle needed for a successful campaign.
Malala said money alone does not make someone a good leader, adding that public goodwill matters more than financial resources.
He pointed to the 2002 presidential election, saying the late President Mwai Kibaki and the late Vice President Kijana Wamalwa did not have financial backing comparable to that of the ruling establishment at the time, yet they still won.
Malala also referenced Wamalwa’s case, saying a fundraising event was held at Kakamega Golf Club to raise fuel money for his campaigns, an example he said showed that popular support can overcome financial constraints. He further urged that a similar fundraiser be held immediately after Sifuna’s homecoming at the Bungoma Posta grounds on July 26.
Days earlier, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also suggested launching a fundraising drive and creating a Paybill account to help bankroll Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Natembeya said supporters should accept even funds being distributed by politicians allied to the state, with half of the proceeds directed to the campaign kitty, arguing that such contributions would strengthen Sifuna’s bid.
