Former roots party Presidential running mateJustina Wamae, a public commentator, has sharply criticised Kenya’s current borrowing trends, urging citizens to reflect on their role in the nation’s growing debt burden.

Speaking on a post posted on her official X account on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Wamae highlighted the stark contrast between current borrowing levels and those during former President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure. “I agree with Mheshimiwa Ndindi Nyoro on Kenya today borrowing annually what Kibaki borrowed in 10 years,” she said, stressing that the scale of debt accumulation is unprecedented in Kenya’s history.

She argued that Kibaki’s administration benefited from circumstances that shielded it from some of today’s pressures. “But I’m of the opinion that Kibaki was lucky as: Not many Kenyans then were demanding handouts from duty bearers as is the case today,” Wamae noted.

She further pointed out that the political focus of the time allowed for more policy-driven leadership, rather than the current emphasis on public displays of power and constituency-based handouts. “Kibaki didn’t need to steal much as Kenyans then were not focusing on kampain za kata na shoka. The Kenyans then focused on effective leadership after the election was won, more on policy proposals, unlike today, it ends and begins with a display of might during campaigns,” she explained.

Wamae called on Kenyans to consider their own influence in the country’s financial trajectory. “Beloved Kenyans, ask yourself your portion of blame in this debt issue, you being a catalyst for wanton and reckless borrowing,” she urged, emphasising the role of public demand and expectations in shaping government fiscal behaviour.

Her statement underscores growing concerns among economists and public commentators that Kenya’s fiscal management must be accompanied by informed citizen participation. By challenging both leadership and the electorate, Wamae’s message frames the debt crisis not merely as a policy issue, but as a shared responsibility requiring reflection and accountability from all Kenyans.