Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly declined an offer by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to support his political campaign with KSh1 billion, saying he would rather finance his political activities through contributions from ordinary Kenyans than rely on a single benefactor.

Speaking during an interview on Mulembe FM on Tuesday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General said accepting such a large contribution from one individual could undermine political independence and create the perception of undue influence.

“We are a different generation of leaders, and we are going to do politics differently. I don’t need your KSh1 billion, Atwoli,” Sifuna said during the interview.

The senator added that broad-based public support would provide a more accountable foundation for political financing than a substantial donation from a single individual.

“I would rather be indebted to 10 million Kenyans because they gave me KSh10 each than to one person who gave me KSh1 billion because that’s where corruption begins,” he said.

Sifuna’s remarks were made in response to a recent public offer by Atwoli, who had indicated that he was willing to mobilise KSh1 billion to support the senator’s future political ambitions. While Atwoli presented the proposal as a show of confidence in Sifuna’s leadership, the senator said he would not pursue that route.

Instead, Sifuna argued that political leaders should seek financial support from a broad base of citizens, saying such an approach promotes transparency and strengthens accountability between elected leaders and the public.

The comments come amid continued national debate over political financing and the influence of wealthy individuals in electoral campaigns. Kenya’s campaign financing framework has long been the subject of public discussion, with governance advocates calling for greater transparency in political donations and campaign expenditure.

Sifuna did not question Atwoli’s intentions but maintained that his preferred model of fundraising is one built on many small contributions rather than a single large donation.

The exchange highlights differing views on how political campaigns should be financed as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. While fundraising remains a common feature of Kenyan politics, Sifuna’s comments place renewed attention on the role of individual donors and the importance of public confidence in campaign financing.

His position also reflects a broader discussion on accountability in political funding, with the senator arguing that leaders who rely on support from many contributors are likely to be more directly answerable to the public than those financed by a single source.