Sifuna hits back at Ruto over Sh13m ‘mama mboga’ money, 'two-name' alcohol jabs
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly challenged President William Ruto's criticism of politicians accepting small donations from market traders. Sifuna defends the contributions as voluntary and symbolic of his connection to ordinary citizens.
Why it matters
The dispute underscores ongoing debates regarding political campaign financing and the optics of wealth in Kenyan politics ahead of the 2027 election.
President William Ruto publicly warned traders against giving money to politicians who live lavishly in Nairobi. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna hit back, asserting that donations from market mamas are voluntary expressions of trust.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hit back at President William Ruto over his remarks about politicians who drink expensive liquor in Nairobi but portray themselves as ordinary people when they travel to other parts of the country, turning the spotlight on the controversy surrounding small donations from market women to fund his political activities.
Mr Sifuna defended contributions from women traders and other well-wishers, saying the donors had given the money voluntarily and should not be dictated to on how it should be spent.
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