Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has disabused the notion that running for a political office in Kenya is an all-expensive affair.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Sifuna stated the notion that loads of cash are necessary to contest an election is a narrative by the political class to dissuade people from joining.
The MPS says he is a living example of a person who successfully ran on limited finances.
“I have tried so hard to dissuade people from the thinking that people with good intentions should not engage in politics or that you need huge sums to run for office. They try to make it seem like politics is a dirty and expensive game. That if you’re of the purest intentions of serving the public should stay away from. Do not fall for that trap,” he stated.
Referencing his own race in the 2017 and 2022 elections, Sifuna disclosed the sum he expended in those election cycles.
“I am a living testament that it is possible for you to enter politics with nothing. They run around and tell you you need 35 million to be a senator. It is not true; when I ran in 2017, I didn’t spend more than 3 million to run and ended up with 700,000 votes. When I ran in 2022, I spent less than 5 million in Nairobi. The 5 million was used in logistics,” he added.
The ODM Secretary General additionally encouraged young people to vie for various elective posts as he expressed his readiness to guide prospective aspirants.
The senator further revealed the importance of associating with a political outfit in the process.
“ I encourage young people to join political parties that are established. They give you a certain cover to participate effectively in the politics. It is very difficult trying to run for office as an independent candidate. But we have seen people win elections without any money, he stated.
Sifuna’s remarks comes after former Chief Justice David Maraga encouraged Kenyan youth to aim to capture power by joining competitive politics.
Speaking on Monday, April 7, 2025, Maraga said the young people can bring the change they want in the country if only they clinch leadership positions during elections.
“As a person who belongs to the older age category, I have served this country and its people and I have made my small contribution to change. However, just like any other parent or older person, and justifiably so, I worry about the future the country holds for ur children, grandchildren and the heritage we will leave for our young people,” he stated.
“Those of us from the older generation must support the youth to be at the helm of implementing that change. We need young people, not just on the streets and online. We need them on the political leadership of the country. We need them in county assemblies, in parliament and in public institutions. We must dismantle the barriers that keep them out.”