Safina Party presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi addresses a County Hall consultative forum at Waterbuck Hotel in Nakuru County/SCREENGRAB
Safina Party presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi says the next administration must uphold constitutionalism, respect the rule of law, and prioritise policies that put money in the pockets of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a County Hall consultative forum at Waterbuck Hotel in Nakuru County, Wanjigi said Kenya needs a leadership change that benefits all citizens rather than a select few.
"We want a serious change in this country, a change for all of us, not some of us. We cannot live while watching others struggle and go through pain," Wanjigi said.
The forum brings together professionals, business leaders, youth, civil society representatives and other stakeholders from Nakuru County for an open discussion on the state of the nation and Kenya's future
Wanjigi said his consultations across the country had revealed widespread concerns over the economy and the need for leaders who respect the Constitution and the rule of law.
"We want to see the rule of law being followed. From what I have gathered here in Nakuru, I have also learnt that a major concern is the economy. All regions want the economy to be addressed. If you go to Lamu, West Pokot, everywhere, people are crying that there is no money," he said.
He challenged Kenyans to scrutinise presidential candidates ahead of the August 2027 General Election, arguing that the focus should extend beyond changing the current administration to electing leaders capable of addressing the country's pressing economic and governance challenges.
"What we must ask ourselves when we get to the August 2027 elections is whether that question will be answered by the candidates. It is not enough to kick out this regime. The incoming president should answer the questions Kenyans have been asking," he said.
Wanjigi accused successive political leaders of entrenching poverty to maintain political control over citizens.
"Our leaders have perfected executing organised and planned poverty. That is why they do not want Kenyans to have what they need. They think when Kenyans are satisfied, they will think about removing them. They want to control us through poverty," he said.
He further argued that many Kenyans are weighed down by debt and rising living costs, calling for policies that would restore economic opportunity and improve household incomes.
Describing the Nakuru meeting as part of a nationwide consultation, Wanjigi said the forums are intended to gather citizens' views before unveiling his policy agenda.
"This is consultation. We want to know from you where your hearts are. If you have questions, ask me. We are conducting consultative forums across the country," he said.
Discussions at the forum focused on the state of Kenya's economy, the national budget and public finance, odious debt and its impact on everyday life, the need for transformative leadership, and the country's political and economic future.
Wanjigi outlined what he described as his vision for
restoring Kenya's economic sovereignty, including proposals to address the
country's growing debt burden, curb illegal borrowing, and revive the economy
to improve the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
