Wanjigi bets on town hall meetings to shape 2027 manifesto

SAFINA party leader Jimi Wanjigi during a media briefing in Nairobi on June 15th 2026

As politicians intensify early campaigns through church fundraisers, donations and cash handouts, presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi is taking a different route, using town hall meetings across the country to shape what he says will be a people-driven manifesto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a town hall meeting in Nakuru on Tuesday to mark the Saba Saba anniversary, Wanjigi said his campaign would be anchored on public participation, with policies informed by the views and experiences of ordinary Kenyans rather than political elites.

"We are doing what you call consultative forums. Here in America they call them town halls. What is in your heart? What are the issues affecting you? That is what we want to hear, “ Wanjigi said.

He said the conversations would guide the development of his manifesto, arguing that leaders should first understand the challenges facing citizens before prescribing solutions.

The economy dominated the discussions, with Wanjigi describing the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining household incomes as the biggest challenges confronting Kenyans.

He accused successive governments of presiding over an economy that has concentrated wealth in the hands of a few while millions continue to struggle to make ends meet.

"The government is a mirror of the people. If the people are suffering economically, then that tells you the state of the government,” he said.

Wanjigi argued that Kenya's economic problems stem from a governance system that has prioritised political interests over the welfare of citizens.

"The problem we have is organised. They control the money. They bring goons. They give them money to beat people because they are controlling money," he said.

He said Kenya needed leadership that would focus on creating opportunities, restoring household incomes and rebuilding public confidence in institutions instead of relying on political patronage.

Using the Saba Saba anniversary as a backdrop, Wanjigi said the struggle for multiparty democracy was intended to secure both political and economic freedom.

"People like Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Raila Odinga sacrificed so that we could enjoy democracy. Those gains belong to the people of Kenya," he said.

He also traced many of the country's economic challenges to historical governance failures, arguing that successive administrations had failed to dismantle systems that continue to benefit a privileged few at the expense of ordinary citizens.

"I don't need politics to play politics. But because of God, we cannot live in fear. We cannot continue watching others suffer. Kenya needs a different direction,” he said.

As political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, Wanjigi's town hall meetings stand in contrast to the increasingly common practice of using fundraising events, donations and cash handouts to mobilise support, with the businessman seeking to position citizen participation as the foundation of his presidential manifesto.