Kenyan politician and People's Renaissance Movement (PRM) leader Caleb Amisi has dismissed claims that his growing political activities are being financed by powerful individuals. Amisi stated that he has personally funded his political journey for years, long before he entered Parliament. He emphasized that he has the financial capacity to meet the costs associated with his campaigns and the running of the party. Amisi's comments come amid scrutiny over the funding of his political activities.
Amisi's remarks were in response to concerns raised by Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, who questioned the resources behind Amisi's highly visible political mobilisation. Khalwale expressed skepticism over Amisi's ability to fund his campaigns, citing the use of helicopters and other transport during political engagements. Amisi, however, maintained that his use of helicopters was not a recent development occasioned by his parliamentary position. He claimed to have used a chopper before he became an MP.
The PRM leader further argued that political parties require significant financial resources to establish structures, organise meetings, and communicate their message across the country. Amisi emphasized that running a political party is expensive and that he is not an exception. He also provided an explanation for some of the billboards advertising his party, saying they were financed by a personal friend he met while both were students at Starehe Boys Centre. The friend contributed about Sh5 million to the campaign.
Amisi's comments come as emerging political formations intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. PRM has been expanding its grassroots structures and presenting itself as a platform focused on economic transformation, job creation, constitutionalism, and national unity. Amisi's party has positioned itself around economic liberation, justice, national unity, and youth empowerment. Employment creation remains at the centre of his political message, particularly efforts to address unemployment among young people.
Khalwale also took issue with Amisi's political support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, arguing that the Saboti MP had yet to accept Sifuna's growing role within the emerging Linda Mwananchi political movement. Amisi defended his support for Sifuna, saying it was based on the senator's political consistency rather than their shared Western Kenya background. Amisi urged Kenyans to move away from ethnic politics and build a more united country.
Amisi's party, PRM, was launched in August as a new political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party aims to provide a platform for Kenyans to engage in discussions about the country's future. Amisi's comments on funding come at a time when there is increased scrutiny over the financing of political campaigns in Kenya. The debate over campaign financing is expected to continue as the 2027 elections approach.
The issue of campaign financing has been a contentious topic in Kenyan politics, with many politicians facing scrutiny over the sources of their funding. Amisi's denial of allegations of being funded by powerful individuals is a significant development in this debate. As the 2027 elections approach, politicians are expected to be transparent about their funding sources.
Key points
- Caleb Amisi denies allegations of being funded by powerful individuals for his political campaigns.
- Amisi claims to have personally funded his political journey for years.
- The PRM leader emphasizes the need for significant financial resources to run a political party.
