Kenya's opposition politics took a dramatic twist on Thursday morning after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka openly confirmed that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is the main financier of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Onyonka made the explosive admission during a live interview on Radio Generation on September 17, 2026, according to a breaking report by http://Tuko.co.ke published less than two hours ago.

According to http://Tuko.co.ke, when the host asked him directly whether Uhuru is funding Linda Mwananchi, Onyonka replied "That's True." He became the first senior leader inside the movement to publicly admit what President William Ruto has been claiming for months.

http://Tuko.co.ke further reports that Onyonka did not stop at confirming the funding. He accused President Ruto of channeling unbudgeted empowerment money to support his 2027 re-election campaign. 

He also claimed that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has flagged Linda Mwananchi rallies as a security threat to the current administration.

This statement has caused confusion inside the opposition because it contradicts what other leaders have been telling Kenyans.

Just two months ago, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna dismissed the same claims. Speaking on Citizen TV's The Explainer, Sifuna said Uhuru was not funding the group. Citizen Digital in its report on July 28 quoted Sifuna saying "No, he's not" when asked if Uhuru provides money or strategy.

The Star Kenya also covered Sifuna's denial in its July 28 publication titled "Uhuru not funding Linda Mwananchi campaigns, says Sifuna." The paper quoted Sifuna saying the movement relies on public support and small donations.

The Eastleigh Voice in its latest report confirmed Sifuna's position. According to Eastleigh Voice, Sifuna said Linda Mwananchi raises money through an M-Pesa paybill number on its website. 

He even offered to show his phone with M-Pesa messages from supporters. He said Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is the treasurer and that logistics like stages and sound systems are paid for through collective contributions.

Sifuna argued that the financing model is transparent and that talk of external funding is meant to distract Kenyans from real issues.

Jubilee Party also denied the claims. People Daily Digital on June 11, 2026 published an interview with Jubilee Executive Director Dann Mwangi. Mwangi was speaking on K24 TV's Grind and Glory show hosted by Sarah Ibrahim. 

According to People Daily, Mwangi said, "No, it's not true. As far as I know, our party leader... even if he was to fund a party, he would fund Jubilee, not any other party."

Mwangi added that Kenyans do not need permission from Uhuru to go to the streets. He said protests are caused by economic pressure, high taxes and frustration, not by instructions from a retired president.

But President Ruto and his allies have insisted Uhuru is behind the movement. On September 16, Citizen Digital reported that Kenya Kwanza leaders in Taveta accused Uhuru of bankrolling Linda Mwananchi to tarnish Ruto's name.

The Citizen Digital report said Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and presidential aide Farouk Kibet led the attack. They claimed Uhuru is buying opposition leaders to push the one-term slogan and disrupt government projects like affordable housing, education reforms and universal health coverage.

The Kenya Times also reported on September 17 that Ruto accused Uhuru of using "stooges" to destabilize his administration because he failed to deliver during his own tenure.

Onyonka's admission now puts Linda Mwananchi in an awkward position. For months, the group has launched a paybill number and told Kenyans it is people-powered. 

Leaders have been moving across the country holding rallies in Nairobi, Kisii, Vihiga and other counties saying they are funded by ordinary wananchi contributing Sh100, Sh200.

Now one of their own senators says the money actually comes from the former Head of State.

Political analysts say this could hurt the movement's credibility. Kenyans started Linda Mwananchi as a Gen Z led initiative after the Finance Bill protests. Many young people believed it was independent of old political dynasties. If it is confirmed that Uhuru is financing it, some supporters may feel betrayed.

Others argue it does not matter where the money comes from as long as the agenda is about accountability. Linda Mwananchi has been pushing for lower cost of living, jobs for youth and an end to abductions. Its leaders say they represent ordinary Kenyans who are struggling.

Onyonka is known for being outspoken. He has previously criticized both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza. His decision to speak openly on Radio Generation suggests there are cracks inside Linda Mwananchi about funding transparency.

At the time of publishing this article, neither Uhuru Kenyatta nor his office had responded to Onyonka's claims. Jubilee Party has not issued a new statement either.

The Ministry of Interior and the NIS have also not commented on Onyonka's claim that intelligence flagged the rallies as a threat.

Kenyans on social media are already reacting. Some are praising Onyonka for honesty while others are accusing him of playing into Ruto's hands. The hashtag Linda Mwananchi was trending on X by Thursday midday.

What is clear is that this revelation will dominate political discussions for days. If Uhuru is indeed funding Linda Mwananchi, it means the 2027 battle lines are already drawn with the former president quietly backing the opposition against his former deputy.