The Linda Mwananchi movement raised more than KSh3 million on Friday, marking one of its strongest single-day fundraising performances as it continued to expand its grassroots financing campaign through small public donations.
The movement collected KSh3,000,617.28 on July 31, according to figures shared on its social media platforms, providing a significant boost to its public fundraising efforts.
The total was recorded on the final day of July, with the movement attributing part of the increase to its Friday KSh100 challenge, an initiative encouraging supporters to contribute at least KSh100.
“Small acts, big impact, real change. Every contribution counts. Asanteni sana!” a message accompanying the fundraising update said.
The movement also thanked supporters for backing the initiative, saying their contributions were helping strengthen its campaign.
“Thank you, Kenyans! Your generosity, belief and commitment are driving this movement forward. Together, we are building a united, strong and prosperous Kenya,” the post added.
Public donations
In recent weeks, Linda Mwananchi has stepped up efforts to mobilise funds directly from the public through its paybill number, encouraging supporters to contribute whatever amount they can afford.
The fundraising initiative forms part of the movement’s broader strategy to build a grassroots political organisation financed through small donations from ordinary Kenyans rather than large contributions from a handful of financiers.
Supporters are able to donate amounts as low as KSh10 through the paybill platform, which was launched last month to encourage voluntary public contributions.
Sifuna defends model
A key political figure associated with the movement, Edwin Sifuna, has sought to reassure supporters that all funds collected through the initiative will be properly accounted for.
Speaking during a media interview, Sifuna said Kenyans of goodwill continued to support the movement through its paybill number.
He defended the fundraising approach, arguing that public financing of political movements is a common feature of established democracies.
“In mature democracies, it is the public that finances leaders to be able to run for office,” he said.
Sifuna added that relying on a broad base of small contributors would reduce dependence on a few wealthy individuals to finance political activities.
Growing support
Launched earlier this year, the Linda Mwananchi movement has increasingly relied on grassroots fundraising as it expands its national presence and mobilises supporters across Kenya.
The latest collection of more than Sh3 million represents one of the largest single-day totals disclosed by the movement, highlighting the fundraising potential of its small-donor model. The Friday KSh100 challenge appeared to play a key role in driving participation, reinforcing the movement’s message that modest individual contributions can collectively generate substantial financial support.
