Jimi Wanjigi promises government overhaul if elected president
He emphasised that there should be a clear distinction in government priorities, such as ending poverty, arguing that certain responsibilities, like protecting the nation from economic aggression, cannot be left to the private sector.
Safina Party Leader Jimi Wanjigi has announced plans for a major transformation of government should Kenyans elect him president in the 2027 General Election.
The businessman, a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration, is seeking to position himself for election following the recent revamping of his party.
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During a morning breakfast talk show on Radio Generation, Wanjigi outlined several radical measures he intends to implement if given the opportunity to lead the country.
He emphasised that there should be a clear distinction in government priorities, such as ending poverty, arguing that certain responsibilities, like protecting the nation from economic aggression, cannot be left to the private sector.
“Government should focus on what the private sector cannot do. The private sector cannot protect us from external aggression,” said Wanjigi.
He expressed disappointment with policing in Kenya, noting that officers have often acted out of partisan interests in the execution of their duties. He is proposing an overhaul of the offices controlling police divisions, replacing them with sheriffs, similar to the system in the United States and other jurisdictions.
“We need a police force that helps us live civilly according to the laws that exist. We will also have to reform the police service, which was created by colonialists. We are proposing to change the title of OCPD to sheriff. In America, a sheriff is elected by the people; we would want sheriffs to be elected. A sheriff could either be a civilian or a police officer,” explained Wanjigi.
Wanjigi also revisited his long-standing topic of odious debt, sparking debate among listeners concerned about Kenya’s economic future.
This is after a listener identified as DK said, “I have been following Wanjigi’s discussions on the debt issue for three years now. Ask him how people in the villages will buy into this idea and vote for him? We are sitting on a time bomb.”
The Pwani Economic Revolution questioned how Wanjigi would raise income levels amid Kenya’s high unemployment rates: “Over 60 per cent of Kenyans earn less than Sh50,000 a month. What would he do as president to raise income levels by 15 per cent above the prevailing inflation rate within five years?”
On education, Wanjigi questioned the government’s continued management of schools, suggesting that this should be left to the private sector.
“Why is the government running schools? Why can’t the private sector do it? There is no record of the government being efficient in managing schools. Government should regulate education, not administer it,” he said.
According to the businessman, current policies limit collaboration between the government and the private sector — a factor he believes has hindered progress even in advanced economies.
He stated that he would require just 18 months to execute his reforms, urging Kenyans to see him as the most suitable candidate to steer the country forward.
“We are at a turning point in the history of this country. I plead with you to seize this moment and consider a single leader coming to you,” said Wanjigi.
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