MPs to contribute millions to Raila Odinga's campaign kitty

ODM chairman John Mbadi addressing the press at Orange House. Photo: Beverlyne Musili, Standard

Opposition MPs will contribute up to Sh500,000 each to Raila Odinga's campaign.

A meeting at Wiper Party headquarters on Wednesday resolved that those who have been re-elected contribute Sh500,000 each while their newly elected colleagues give Sh200,000.

The money, officials said, will help NASA concentrate its campaign in areas it performed dismally on August 8.

The money will mainly cater for logistics, campaign materials, and advertisements.

The MPs from NASA affiliates - Wiper, Amani National Congress (ANC), Ford Kenya, and Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) - said other than their contributions, they will also spearhead NASA campaigns in their constituencies.

Thursday, ODM chairman and Suba South MP John Mbadi said the lawmakers had promised to make every effort to support Raila's quest, especially because this is his last stab at the presidency, according to an agreement he made with other NASA luminaries.

Mbadi said some leaders had agreed to give over Sh1 million.

"During last month's elections, everyone was busy campaigning for themselves. But now, the concentration is on the presidential election. We'll retain our technical and strategy teams," said Mbadi.

"The MPs themselves agreed on the amount to be contributed to the national campaign kitty. We all agreed that the newcomers contribute a minimum of Sh200,000 while those who have been there contribute Sh500,000 or more," said a source at the meeting.

The development came against the backdrop of claims that the Opposition was experiencing financial challenges ahead of the presidential re-run.

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