Fundraiser can never fund campaign - Cherargei to Maraga

Nandi Senator Samson Arap Cherargei has cast doubt on Former Chief Justice David Maraga’s presidential ambitions, saying that no amount of fundraising can sustain a serious national campaign.

In a statement on Saturday, Cherargei dismissed the notion that public fundraisers could effectively finance a presidential bid, drawing from his own advice to Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.

“Just like I advised my brother, Senator Okiya Omtatah, that to run an effective presidential campaign, you need at least Sh7 billion,” Cherargei said. 

“Rtd. Chief Justice Maraga should know that in Kenya, a fundraiser can never fund campaigns even of an MCA.”

The senator also weighed in on a fundraising effort by activist Morara Kebaso, pointing out that it failed to even raise enough for fuel.

“If Morara Kebaso was fundraising for fuel only, yet he couldn't manage, is Maraga looking for votes or money? Which is which?” he posed.

His remarks follow the official launch of Maraga's presidential campaign fundraising platform ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Maraga '27 Campaign Platform unveiled on Friday allows Kenyans to contribute as little as Sh50 to support what he termed a people-driven movement to "Reset, Restore, and Rebuild Kenya."

The retired CJ had earlier in the week said he will heavily rely on ordinary Kenyans to fund his bid.

“I will appeal to Kenyans to contribute to the campaigns. I’ll put in very little money, around Sh1 million or Sh2 million. I don’t have much money,” Maraga said during an interview with Citizen TV.

The digital platform enables well-wishers to contribute by entering their name, phone number, email address, and the amount of their donation. 

Supporters may also leave an optional message.

Maraga explained that the contributions will go towards grassroots mobilisation, campaign events and town halls, digital outreach, and building a national network of volunteers and supporters. 

He emphasised that every cent will be accounted for and any excess funds will be redirected to a public cause.

The campaign headquarters are based in Westlands, Nairobi.

Expressing confidence in the power of ordinary Kenyans, particularly the youth and underrepresented communities, Maraga said the time had come for a leadership rooted in integrity, competence, and justice.

"With the suffering Kenyans have gone through, I'm sure we'll get Sh50, 100 from individuals. I'm hoping we'll get excess, and whatever is left, we will give it to a public cause,” Maraga said.