I Spent Only Ksh100k - Youngest Woman MP on Campaign Funding

Photo collage of Bomet Woman Rep Linet Chepkorir famously known as Toto
Photo collage of Bomet woman representative Linet Chepkorir, famously known as Toto.
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LINET TOTO

Linet Chepkorir, famously known as Toto, who became an internet sensation after declaring her bid for Bomet woman representative seat, disclosed that she only spent Ksh100,000 on campaigns.

Chepkorir, who vied on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket amassed 242,775 votes to floor her competitor, Alice Migo, who got 42,171 votes. 

Speaking to BBC Africa, the Bomet county woman rep-elect stated that she raised the money through handouts and well-wishers who bought into her political ideologies.

The 24-year-old lawmaker further revealed that her friends also supported her bid financially through fundraisers and providing resources.

Linet Chepkorir, Woman Representative-elect, Bomet County
Linet Chepkorir, Woman Representative-elect, Bomet County
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Before campaigns intensified, Chepkorir was promised a car by Bomet Governor-elect Hillary Barchock.

"Hers is a story of resilience and believing in your dreams. She's the true personification of Bottom-Up," Barchok wrote. 

Despite receiving financial boost, Toto still struggled to  beat her competitors with deep pockets.

The greatest challenge she faced when she started campaigning was convincing her community and the voters at large. 

"The people raised a lot of questions regarding my candidature. Others questioned whether I could legislate well since I was not married while others were reluctant since I had no work experience," she stated.

"I lacked the money to hand out. This somehow slowed down my campaigns and bid to reach to every Bomet electorate," she added.

Before she was handed UDA ticket, Chepkorir was accused of intruding into Deputy President William Ruto's residence.

Chepkorir had visited Ruto's Karen residence in Nairobi, where Rift Valley aspirants seeking UDA tickets were meeting. She was, however, blocked at the entrance by guards who accused her of being an intruder.

She stood her ground explaining that she was one of the aspirants.

"Eventually, after about an hour, I was allowed in after I showed them my passcode to the meeting; electronically generated for members who have paid UDA aspirants’ fee of Ksh6,000," she stated in a past interview with The Nation.

She became famous after her photo donning a yellow hoodie, simple hairdo and rubber shoes to a high-level meeting went viral.

File photo of Linet Chepkorir speaking after winning UDA ticket for Bomet Woman representative position on Friday April 15, 2022.
File photo of Linet Chepkorir speaking after winning UDA ticket for Bomet Woman representative position on Friday, April 15, 2022.
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