Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli that he is capable of mobilising the financial resources needed to support his political ambitions.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, July 21, Sifuna said he has no interest in receiving financial backing from Atwoli, insisting he would rather rely on small contributions from ordinary Kenyans than accept billions from a single individual.
The senator said his generation of leaders is determined to pursue politics differently by depending on public support instead of wealthy political financiers.
Sifuna Rejects Atwoli’s Offer of KSh1 Billion for Political Campaign. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Sifuna, receiving campaign funding from one person creates opportunities for undue influence and corruption, making leaders beholden to individual interests rather than the public.
He also questioned how the head of a workers’ union could claim to have access to KSh1 billion for political campaigns at a time when many Kenyan workers are grappling with economic hardships.
Sifuna argued that such resources would be better directed towards improving the welfare of workers.
His remarks came days after Atwoli asserted that no one could emerge as the political leader of the Luhya community without his support.
The COTU boss also maintained that vying for the presidency requires substantial financial resources and claimed he has the ability to mobilise as much as KSh1 billion within a short period to support a presidential bid.
Atwoli further announced plans to convene another major political meeting at Bukhungu Stadium in December 2026.
