According to figures shared by Sifuna, the initiative collected KSh 519,144 from 9,419 contributors, with donations ranging between KSh 1 and KSh 5,000.
The average contribution was KSh 55, which he said demonstrates the movement's commitment to grassroots fundraising through small donations from ordinary Kenyans.
Sifuna explained that the Paybill is registered in his name because Linda Mwananchi is not yet a registered political party and therefore cannot legally operate its own account. He added that this arrangement was publicly disclosed to ensure transparency.
The senator also rejected claims that the movement is being bankrolled by wealthy individuals, insisting that all funds received will be publicly accounted for. He noted that the leadership regularly reviews both income and expenditure during planning meetings.
He said the money is used to cover operational costs such as logistics, organizing rallies, paying service providers and providing security.
Sifuna disclosed that the movement's most expensive rally was held in Kisumu at a cost of about KSh 2.6 million, with security taking up a large share of the budget due to reported threats.
The fundraising campaign generated mixed reactions online. While supporters praised the transparent, citizen-funded model as a way of promoting accountability and reducing reliance on wealthy financiers, critics questioned whether such contributions could sustain a nationwide presidential campaign.
The discussion gained momentum after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei claimed that a serious presidential bid in Kenya would require at least KSh 4 billion, arguing that public donations alone may not be enough.
Despite the skepticism, Sifuna maintained that the Linda Mwananchi movement will continue depending on contributions from ordinary Kenyans as it broadens its political activities across the country.
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