Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has poured cold water on former Chief Justice David Maraga’s move to launch a campaign website inviting Kenyans to donate funds and volunteer for his 2027 presidential bid.
While dismissing the website on Saturday, July 19, Cherargei criticised Maraga’s approach of fundraising from Kenyans, noting that it was not how politics in Kenya worked.
In a statement released on his X page, Cherargei referenced his earlier advice to his Busia counterpart, Okiya Omtatah, who has also expressed interest in vying for the country’s top seat, regarding the minimum amount needed to bankroll a presidential campaign.
“Just like I advised my brother Senator Omtatah that to run an effective Presidential campaign, you need at least seven billion shillings,” Cherargei stated.
“Rtd. Chief Justice Maraga should know that in Kenya, a fundraiser can never fund campaigns even of a Member of the County Assembly!” he added.
While seemingly disregarding the act of politicians seeking money from Kenyans to facilitate their political activities, the Senator, a staunch ally of President William Ruto, referenced the inability of Morara Kebaso to raise funds to fuel his vehicle.
He also questioned the true motive behind seeking financial support, even as Maraga had previously disclosed that he did not have the financial muscle to campaign and would seek the support of well-wishers.
“If Morara Kebaso was fundraising for fuel only, yet he could not manage. Is Maraga looking for votes or money? Which is which?” he quipped.
Maraga launched his campaign website on Friday, July 18, where he invited Kenyans, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute to his campaign. Contributions ranged from as little as Ksh100 to as much as Ksh50,000, with an option to enter a custom amount.
Those in the diaspora could contribute from as low as five dollars (Ksh647) to 25 dollars (Ksh3,237), with a custom amount option also available.
The former CJ had revealed that he would chip in with a relatively small amount of between one and two million shillings into the campaign.
Aside from contributing, Kenyans were also invited to volunteer their time or join the movement by providing ideas.
Maraga officially declared his presidential bid on Wednesday, June 18, and listed fighting graft and police brutality as his top agendas.
