Lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna has dismissed claims by Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, that one needs at least Ksh 10 billion to mount a serious presidential campaign.
Speaking on the Political Kenya podcast on Thursday, Miguna argued that such assertions are deliberately crafted to scare ordinary citizens away from seeking political office. He claimed that the political elite exaggerate campaign costs to protect themselves from accountability and competition, noting that power is often pursued as a shield against justice.
“First thing desperate people who have done very bad things against the people is to seek power to protect themselves from people they have hurt out their. And that is why they scare other never to run against them,” he stated.
Miguna accused established politicians of using money as a “phantom barrier” to discourage potential challengers, saying the narrative is designed to make the presidency appear unattainable. He cited his own 2017 Nairobi gubernatorial bid as an example, arguing that despite limited resources, he still posed a significant challenge to the political establishment.
He also referenced the impeachment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, whom he said was a product of the same system.
Miguna urged Kenyans not to fear pursuing leadership, insisting that not all political contests are about winning, but about challenging entrenched power and setting new precedents.