Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has blamed crushing poverty and widespread hopelessness for the surge in political violence and intimidation that rocked Kenya's by-elections this week. Her comments follow a day of chaotic polls in several counties, where hired goons, bribery, and violent clashes overshadowed the democratic process.

This is not just a political failure; it's a social crisis. With a staggering 67% of young Kenyans unemployed, the nation is sitting on a "ticking time bomb," as one recent report noted. For a generation facing a bleak economic future, the allure of a small payment from a politician to intimidate rivals becomes a desperate means of survival, putting food on the table in a country where nearly 20 million people cannot meet their basic needs.

The by-elections held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, saw significant violence in constituencies like Malava, Kasipul, and Banisa. Reports detailed vehicles being torched, armed youths arrested, and even a Member of Parliament being assaulted. Leaders across the political divide, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, described it as “one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” pointing to a systemic failure to ensure voter safety.

The Economics of Violence

Wamae's argument pinpoints the direct link between the empty pocket and the hired fist. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) recently reported that the national poverty rate stands at 39.8%. This economic vulnerability provides fertile ground for exploitation by political players.

A recent report by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) corroborates this, warning that organized criminal gangs are deeply embedded in politics and are often hired during elections to silence opponents. The violence is not random; it is a transaction. Analysts have long pointed to Kenya's winner-take-all political system and the ethnic divisions it fuels, but Wamae's assertion brings the focus back to the grim economic reality facing millions.

• Youth Unemployment: The rate for Kenyans aged 15-34 is a staggering 67%.
• Poverty Level: Nearly 40% of the population lives below the poverty line.
• Economic Despair: Over a million young people enter the job market each year with limited opportunities.

A Warning Shot for 2027

The violence this week is seen by many as a dangerous rehearsal for the 2027 General Election. Senators have already raised alarms over a recent surge in online hate speech and ethnic incitement, warning that state agencies are failing to act decisively. Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni noted that if accountability is not established now, the consequences for 2027 could be severe.

While security agencies have been criticized for their lack of preparedness, Wamae's comments shift the burden of responsibility. She argues that until the government addresses the foundational issues of job creation and economic dignity, the cycle of electoral violence will remain unbroken. In a September statement, she had already faulted voters for accepting handouts, calling them "accomplices in crime and poor leadership," a sentiment that underscores her consistent focus on economic drivers.

As the dust settles on these turbulent by-elections, the question is not just about who won or lost, but whether the nation can address the desperation that makes violence a viable, short-term employment option for its youth. Wamae's warning is stark: without economic democracy, political peace will remain fragile.