Kenyan Senator Edwin Sifuna has formally asked the High Court to dismiss a petition seeking to compel Linda Mwananchi leaders to account for funds raised from Kenyans through a Paybill number launched in July 2026. The petition, filed by Alan Masakhalia, demands transparency into the funds collected through Paybill number 3033049 and other fundraising channels used by the movement. Sifuna contends that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Sifuna argued that the issues raised fall within the dispute resolution framework established under Section 21 of the Elections Campaign Financing Act. He maintained that the complaints raised by Masakhalia could be adequately addressed through other legally established channels. Sifuna urged the court to dismiss the case with costs awarded against the petitioner, citing that the mandatory process was bypassed.
Under the Elections Campaign Financing Act, any person may lodge a complaint with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) alleging a violation of its provisions. The IEBC has the authority to issue a formal warning, impose a fine, prohibit a candidate or party from campaigning for a specified period, or disqualify a candidate from a race if a breach is confirmed.
Masakhalia filed the case in September, calling on the court to order Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement to provide a full and transparent account of all contributions received through Paybill number 3033049 and other fundraising channels. He personally contributed KSh 55 to the Linda Mwananchi initiative and wants the movement to explain how the money collected was utilised.
Masakhalia's petition also seeks a court determination on the legal consequences that could follow if the political project is abandoned, redirected, or its declared objectives are changed from what was communicated to donors at the time of fundraising. The petitioner's concerns highlight the need for transparency and accountability in political fundraising.
Sifuna's defence against the case is based on the argument that the High Court lacks jurisdiction and that the petitioner bypassed the mandatory process under the Elections Campaign Financing Act. The court's decision will have implications for the transparency and accountability of political fundraising in Kenya.
The case has sparked debate about the need for transparency in political fundraising and the role of the IEBC in regulating campaign financing. The outcome will be closely watched by Kenyans and will likely have far-reaching consequences for the country's political landscape.
Key points
- Senator Edwin Sifuna seeks dismissal of case over Linda Mwananchi funds, citing lack of jurisdiction and bypass of mandatory process.
