The New Era: Leaving Darkness Behind
Jimi Wanjigi’s address at the Safina National Delegates Conference declared the end of Kenya’s “age of darkness.” Echoing the anti-colonial struggles and demanding a new social contract, Wanjigi stated:
“We are now in the era of light, not darkness.”
“You cannot subjugate a wise man.”
He called out corrupt leadership, manipulation, and elite capture, promising that those hiding behind power would be “exposed by the light.” This was a call for courage, truth, and collective belief in transformation.
Bandia Debt: The Core Economic Pledge
Safina’s economic revolution centers on refusing to pay deni bandia (fake, illegitimate debts).
“Hatuta lipa hiyo deni bandia. Deni bandia hatutalipa.”
“We will not pay that fake debt.”
Wanjigi revealed that 70% of the national budget is wasted on madeni bandia, depriving citizens of hospitals, roads, and schools. Safina vows to redirect these funds, the trillions usually earmarked for debt repayment, directly to public services and development.
Redirecting 2.3 trillion shillings from annual debt repayments to people-focused priorities.
Refusal to borrow against mabonde yetu, pesa zetu, matrilioni ya pesa. Safina will only spend what Kenya earns and owns.
Tax and Banking Reform: Relieving the Burden
Safina’s promise is to reduce VAT and sales taxes to just 5%
“Tutairudisha iwe ushuru wa mauzo wa asilimia tano. Tunapunguza ushuru ambao unakusanywa.”
“Sales tax will be capped at 5%. We will reduce overall taxes.”
Banks will become engines of empowerment for ordinary Kenyans, not just the elite. Loans will be available to all at rates under 5%, possibly even 3%
“Mnaweza kukopa milioni moja, kwa mwaka mnalipa shilingi elfu thelathini tu.”
“You could borrow a million shillings and pay back only 30,000 annually.”
Universal Free Services: Health and Education
Building on the Kibaki-era promise of free schooling, Wanjigi commits Safina to fully costed free pre-primary education and hospital care, no hidden fees, no closed doors
“Serikali itasema hakuna michango shuleni, hakuna malipo. Hatuwezi kulipa ada zilizofichwa.”
This package is fully budgeted at 180 billion a year, ensuring access for every child and family.
Policing, Justice, and Accountability
Safina will reform policing, renaming and restructuring the OCPD post, realigning Kenyan systems to global accountability standards
“Polisi ambaye anaitwa OCPD, analingana na ‘Sheriff’ kule Amerika. Tutabadilisha jina la OCPD.”
“OCPD role will be renamed and reformed to reflect international best practices.”
If the party fails to deliver on its promises, Wanjigi encourages Kenyans to act
“Kama hatutatimiza hayo maneno, mtatuondoa ndani ya miezi mitatu.”
“If we don’t deliver, remove us within three months.”
A Movement Built on Issues, Not Offices
The transition is grounded in a call for genuine, grassroots coalition building, beyond tribal, class, or bureaucratic divisions
“Tunataka uhusiano na muungano wa masuala na maslahi, kutoka kwa wananchi wa nchi hii.”
“We want alliances built on issues, not offices.”
Wanjigi’s rally is to every Kenyan: market sellers, pastors, neighbors, everyone must join the campaign for a fair, honest Kenya
“Wanachama wa Safina, jiulizeni ‘what next’ Kumbatieni majirani zenu, marafiki, na kila mtu sokoni.”
Policy Focus Table
Theme | Safina Party Promise or Action |
|---|---|
Bandia Debt | Refusal to pay illegitimate debts Redirect 2.3 trillion to healthcare and education |
Tax Reform | VAT and sales tax capped at 5 percent Overall tax reduction |
Banking Reform | Bank loans for all at rates under 5 percent |
Free Services | Universal access to pre-primary education and hospitals, paid by state |
Police Reform | OCPD renamed and realigned to global standards |
Coalition | Alliances built on citizen interests, not offices |
Accountability | Citizens empowered to remove leaders after three months of non-performance |