Justina Wamae urges clear ideology in parties, says high registration costs limit participation
By Faith Lagat, November 8, 2025Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has raised concerns over barriers to political participation in Kenya, highlighting high registration costs and a lack of ideological clarity as key obstacles.
In an X post dated November 8, 2025, Wamae stated, “True, MOST political parties are owned by individuals. Registering one on the cheap is Ksh10M. Ukiongea unaulizwa zako ni ngapi? Unanyamaza!”
She argued that the financial threshold favours wealthy individuals and sidelines grassroots engagement amid recent youth-led efforts to establish new parties.
Wamae proposed reforms to democratise the process, saying, “This will happen until the process of registration is made as cheap and easy as a business name registration. Kenyans as well should not demand handouts to join a political party.”
She emphasised that lowering costs could encourage self-funded participation and reduce reliance on elite patronage.
Emphasis on ideology and accountability
The commentator also highlighted the need for clear ideological direction in parties, questioning the role of independent candidates.
“Now that you say political parties are not good. Did you know in the National Assembly there are 12 MNAs elected as independents? Do you know them? What do they stand for? Have you watched their voting patterns?” she asked.
Wamae argued that independence should not be an option, advocating instead for structured parties with defined ideologies.
“The discussion should not be a bora chama one but a chama bora. One that has a clear ideology that is congruent with its policy proposals that give solutions to the problems facing Kenyans,” she said, stressing the link between ideology, accountability, and effective governance.
Electoral collaboration and funding disparities
The debate coincides with efforts by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enhance partnerships with political parties.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said, “We come together not as separate entities but as partners united by a common responsibility to protect the will of the Kenyan people through credible, peaceful and inclusive elections.” Commissioner MaryKaren Sorobit added, “Your presence emphasises the importance of partnership in safeguarding the credibility and integrity of our elections.”
Financial disparities remain a challenge. The Kenya Gazette reported that UDA and ODM will receive over 789 million Ksh and 421 million Ksh, respectively, from the Political Parties Fund for 2025/26, while smaller parties, such as DAP-K and FORD-Kenya, lag significantly.
National Liberal Party leader Augustus Muli noted, “This has crippled our ability to operate offices and organise campaigns,” highlighting tensions between established and emerging political forces ahead of the 2027 elections.