Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has proposed a Ksh3 billion fundraising drive among Western Kenya residents to kick-start Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
Speaking during a podcast at his home in Makunga, Kakamega County, on Sunday, the DCP Deputy Party Leader reiterated his firm backing for Sifuna’s presidential bid, acknowledging the former ODM Secretary-General’s growing popularity, which he said can no longer be ignored.
Malala said that if Western Kenya truly wants one of its own to contest for the presidency, residents must begin by financing his campaign, urging the community to pool resources together to realise Sifuna’s ambitions.
He proposed that the fundraiser be launched at Bukhungu Stadium, where residents would first contribute cows, goats and other food items to cater for guests.
He suggested erecting a tent with a capacity of 3,000 people, with each attendee contributing Ksh1 million for a seat, which he said would raise the full Ksh3 billion needed to kick-start the campaign.
Malala added that once the initiative succeeds in Western Kenya, it should be replicated by other communities backing the “Sisi ni Sifuna” movement, and proposed setting up a Paybill number through which young supporters could contribute at least Ksh100 each.
The former senator dismissed remarks by COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who recently questioned Sifuna’s presidential prospects on the grounds that he lacks sufficient financial muscle, arguing instead that public goodwill matters more than money.
He cited the 2002 election, noting that the late President Mwai Kibaki and Vice President Kijana Wamalwa lacked resources comparable to the ruling establishment at the time, yet still won.
Malala said the fundraiser should take place immediately after Sifuna’s homecoming at Bungoma Posta Grounds on July 26.
His remarks come days after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya made a similar call for a fundraising drive and Paybill account to support Sifuna’s bid, adding to growing grassroots momentum behind the senator’s presidential ambitions.