Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has rejected COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s offer to mobilize resources to finance his political ambitions.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, July 21, Sifuna said he would rather receive small contributions from Kenyans than accept Ksh1 billion from the trade unionist. He said, “Atwoli is now saying he is the one with Ksh1 billion that he can give me. I don’t need your money.
“Please let ordinary Kenyans continue contributing through our Paybill, just as they have been doing,” he added.
The senator also said his generation of leaders plans to approach politics differently, relying on public support rather than wealthy benefactors.
“We are a different generation of leaders, and we are going to do this politics differently. I would rather be indebted to 10 million Kenyans because they gave me 10 shillings each than to one person who gave me Ksh1 billion,” he said.
Sifuna argued that accepting financial backing from a single financier creates space for corruption. He also questioned where the money would come from, saying many workers in the country continue to struggle.
“How can the leader of a workers’ union have Ksh1 billion to contribute to a political campaign? He should instead give that money to the workers who are crying,” Sifuna added.
On Sunday, July 12, Atwoli claimed that no one could become a Luhya community leader without his support. The COTU boss also argued that a bid for the presidency requires significant funds and said he can help mobilize the resources.
“Nobody can say they want to become the leader of the Luhya community without my knowledge. If you want to seek a big seat, it requires money, and if you want to become president of Kenya, I am the one who can help you raise even Ksh1 billion in one minute,” Atwoli stated.
Atwoli further announced plans to hold another major political gathering at Bukhungu Stadium in December 2026.
