Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has criticised Kenya’s policy and legislative framework, calling for reforms that promote innovation and economic growth.

In a post on X, dated September 19, 2025, Wamae highlighted gaps in governance, urging leaders to craft laws that both innovate and progress the country’s economic agenda.

Wamae argued that Kenya’s challenges are not due to a lack of policies, but the failure of leaders to design and implement legislation that effectively drives development.

“The trouble with Kenya is the assumption that policies and legislations are somewhere there and it’s only that those elected and appointed to shape, influence and implement them have refused to,” she wrote.

Watch: Wamae criticises governance gaps, calls for wealth-creating reforms

She outlined the shortcomings further: “The reality is that even if the elusive policies and legislations are somewhere there, 1. They are not innovative and progressive enough 2. If they are innovative, then they are not progressive 3. If they are progressive, then they are not innovative.”

Wamae emphasised the need for reforms that empower citizens financially and create accountability, stating, “What Kenya needs is policies and legislations that are innovative, progressive and the linkages of policies and legislative proposals aimed at creating wealth for the nation of Kenya and her citizens, because every citizen MUST have something to LOSE, not those your ‘leading’ dead horse shenanigans.”

Leadership and economic measures

Wamae extended her critique to the electorate, noting their role in poor governance.

“Let it be known that the voters in Kenya are not innocent but are accomplices in the crime of poor leadership, corruption, high cost of living, lack of implementation of Article 43, lack of vision and so on,” she wrote.

She questioned existing wealth recovery efforts, asking, “If we have arrested the corrupt duty bearers, sh$t them (as you always insist) and even confiscated their ill-got wealth. Explain how this will spur economic growth? Be pragmatic.”

Wamae also criticised Kenya’s job market and public sector expansion, linking politically motivated hirings to a ballooning Nairobi County wage bill and urging reforms for fair labour practices.

Political engagement

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Wamae confirmed her intention to run for elective office on a non-aligned, policy-focused platform. “It’s 2025; the issue of telling non-aligned politicians like myself to align with either Wantam or Tutam shenanigans is retrogressive,” she said.

She pledged to present voters with substantive legislative proposals rather than partisan politics, asserting, “Siasa ni Soko Huru. I will be on the ballot… to sell policy and legislative proposals. After all, let the people decide!”