“Every Shilling Spent on Debt Repayment Robs Kenya’s Future” — Jimi Wanjigi Declares Debt Rebellion

Nairobi, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 14:00 EAT.

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has launched a sharp critique of Kenya’s public debt burdens, urging what he calls a “Debt Rebellion.” He argues that every shilling used to service debt is effectively stolen from the country’s future. His declaration forms part of a broader plan he calls the FIST Agenda, which aims to overhaul the national approach to debt, taxation, and social welfare. 

1) The Latest

• In a post on X on September 22, 2025, Wanjigi said:

  “Our journey begins with courage, the courage to say NO to odious debt. Every shilling spent on debt is a shilling stolen from our future as Kenyans. With the FIST Agenda, we declare Debt Rebellion: Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay! From survival economics to true sovereignty, this is where the Economic Revolution begins.” 

• Earlier (on September 19), he outlined the FIST Agenda more fully. It includes five core elements: ending what he terms “odious debt,” cutting taxes, providing free education and free healthcare, lowering the VAT rate (replacing the 16% VAT with a 5% sales tax), and halting domestic government borrowing. 

• Wanjigi’s comments followed his election as the new leader of Safina Party at the party’s National Delegates Conference in Ngong Racecourse, where outgoing leader Paul Muite handed over leadership. 

2) Context in Brief

• Kenya’s public debt has been rising significantly in recent years. Former Chief Justice David Maraga, among others, has warned that since 2013 debt levels have become “unimaginable” and could lead to default if not checked. 

• Public concern about debt repayment is high, especially when debt servicing competes with funding for education, health, infrastructure, and other public goods.

• Safina, a smaller party in Kenya’s political landscape, is positioning itself with an economic platform that contrasts with more mainstream approaches, which often favour continuing borrowing for infrastructure and developmental spending. The FIST Agenda is part of this alternate approach.

3) Law, Policy & Process

• Legal / Constitutional Implications: There is no legal basis under current Kenyan law that automatically allows non-payment of debt claims (even if deemed “odious”) without judicial or legislative process. Declaring a “Debt Rebellion” may raise constitutional and international law issues, including Kenya’s obligations to creditors.

• Policy Levers: The Agenda’s proposals (e.g. changing VAT, stopping domestic borrowing) would require legislative amendments, budget reallocation, and possibly new laws/regulations.

• Accountability & Oversight: Questions will likely be raised around which debts are being labelled “odious,” how they will be disputed, and what process for verification exists. Oversight bodies like the Auditor-General, public debt managers, and Parliament would need to be involved.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Jimi Wanjigi (Safina Party Leader): Leading the call for debt reform, framing it as a fight for Kenya’s sovereign economic future. 

• Safina Deputy Leader Willis Otieno: Echoed Wanjigi’s denunciations of certain past loans (for example the 2014 Eurobond), questioning their legitimacy and asking where the funds went. 

• Former Chief Justice David Maraga: Has previously warned that Kenya’s debt has spiraled out of control and that the country risks default. His remarks are being invoked by Wanjigi to build legitimacy for the debt critique. 

• Economists / Creditors / Public Commentators: While full commentary is not yet published, many will likely question how “odious debt” is defined, the consequences for Kenya’s credit ratings, and international relationships.

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Creditworthiness & Financing Costs: If Kenya appears to balk at paying certain debts, even on political grounds, it may trigger downgrades in sovereign ratings, higher interest rates for future borrowing.

• Legal / International Fallout: Declaring certain loans “odious” and refusing to pay could lead to international legal action or harm relations with lenders, including multilateral institutions.

• Political Risk & Appeal: The rhetoric appeals to many dissatisfied with rising debt and perceived misuse of loans. But it risks being interpreted as populist, especially if implementation plans are vague.

• Economic Disruption: Short-term shock to markets if radical changes are enacted, e.g., slashing VAT or cutting borrowing could reduce government revenue and disrupt public services unless offset by other reforms.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Which specific debts Wanjigi considers “odious” — does he mean certain foreign loans, domestic loans, or both?

• How he proposes to reconcile non-repayment or repudiation of debt with Kenya’s contractual obligations and risk of legal challenge.

• How the FIST Agenda will propose to meet revenue shortfalls created by cutting taxes (VAT) and halting borrowing.

• What detailed timeline, cost estimates, and implementation plan has been developed (if any) so that these proposals are realistic.

8) Timeline

• 2014: Kenya issues Eurobond — later questioned by Wanjigi / Safina in their critique. 

• 2013–2025: Period over which public debt has significantly increased, noted by Maraga and others. 

• September 18, 2025: Safina Party’s NDC where Wanjigi is elected leader and outlines the FIST Agenda. 

• September 19, 2025: FIST Agenda publicized with details. 

• September 22, 2025: Wanjigi’s “Debt Rebellion” post, restating no shilling of debt repayment without critique. 

9) What to Watch Next

• Whether Safina will table or push for policy proposals in Parliament reflecting the FIST Agenda (e.g., tax legislation, debt audits, debt service renegotiations).

• Reactions from other political parties, civil society, the Debt Management Office, and financial markets to Wanjigi’s declarations.

• Whether the government launches its own response or counters with alternate proposals around debt management.

• How media, investors, and rating agencies respond—whether the talk of “Debt Rebellion” leads to concern or confidence.

Editor’s Note: This article draws on Wanjigi’s own statements and party sources. Details of debt definitions, financial impact, and concrete legislative steps are still emerging.

Corrections: None at time of publication.