Safaricom has suspended the Linda Mwananchi paybill account, barely days after it was launched to raise money for the movement’s activities.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirmed the development on Thursday, saying the paybill had been closed after Safaricom allegedly received “orders from above.”
The paybill was unveiled earlier this week to help finance the movement’s logistical operations, including rallies, transport, sound systems, security and other campaign activities.
Its suspension comes just days after Kenyans contributed millions of shillings through the platform following Sifuna’s appeal for supporters to donate as little as Sh10 each. Sifuna had also pledged to publicly account for every shilling received and how it was spent.
Speaking after the suspension, Sifuna claimed Safaricom informed the team that the paybill had been shut down following “orders from above.” He did not disclose who allegedly gave the directive.
Safaricom had not publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.
The development is likely to spark fresh debate over political fundraising and whether financial platforms should be used to regulate or restrict political movements.
The suspension also comes just days after questions emerged over accountability in political fundraising, following the launch of the Linda Mwananchi paybill and renewed public debate on how political donations should be managed.
It remains unclear whether the movement will challenge the decision or announce an alternative platform for supporters wishing to continue contributing.
The latest move is expected to intensify political tensions as the Linda Mwananchi movement continues to expand its activities across the country.