Roots Party leader PROF. George Wajackoya.PHOTO:COURTESY
Roots Party leader Prof. George Wajackoyah, has made a powerful return to the political stage, strongly criticizing President William Ruto’s government and accusing it of using Kenya as a “guinea pig” for untested policies.
In an interview on K24 TV, Wajackoyah focused on the controversial Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), describing it as a poorly planned and rushed initiative that has yet to gain traction with the Kenyan public or healthcare institutions.
Wajackoyah argued that the SHIF rollout was mishandled, asserting that it was a “shambolic scheme” that lacked proper consultation, preparation, and clear guidelines. He claimed that the initiative had already faced challenges, including corruption, and had not been designed with the people in mind. “There is no need to roll out half-baked schemes. Already money has been looted, and people were not involved from the start. A proper policy should be people-oriented,” he said, adding that many hospitals have yet to adopt the program due to unclear direction from the government.
His criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration has spurred Wajackoyah to announce that he will run for the presidency again in the 2027 General Election. He joins a growing list of political heavyweights aiming to unseat President Ruto, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, and former Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
Political Background:
Professor George Wajackoyah is a seasoned politician and lawyer with a long career in both academia and law. Before venturing into Kenyan politics, Wajackoyah was a law professor and legal practitioner, with extensive international experience. He gained widespread recognition in the 2022 presidential race, where he ran as the Roots Party candidate, securing 61,969 votes. Despite finishing in fourth place, Wajackoyah’s unconventional manifesto and bold proposals, including the legalization of hemp farming, captured the public’s attention.
Although he did not win the presidency in 2022, Wajackoyah’s political star has continued to rise. He attributed his relatively low performance in the 2022 elections to public misunderstanding of his manifesto, particularly the controversial call for the legalization of commercial hemp farming. Wajackoyah has since clarified that his vision was focused on hemp, a versatile and profitable crop, which can be used to produce various products ranging from beauty products to heavy machinery like warships and combat vehicles. “Hemp has domestic and commercial benefits. It’s used in manufacturing beauty products, warships, and even combat vehicles,” he said.
In his upcoming bid for the presidency in 2027, Wajackoyah has vowed to revisit and expand on his previous proposals, emphasizing the economic benefits of hemp farming, particularly in regions like Tana River. He believes hemp could revolutionize Kenya’s agricultural sector, generating substantial income and creating jobs for many young Kenyans.
Focus on Youth and Criticism of Government:
One of Wajackoyah’s key issues is the government’s handling of youth unemployment, which he believes has been mishandled by the current administration. He strongly criticized the recent killing of Gen Z protesters during anti-finance bill demonstrations, saying, “The government has created a squad to kill our children, and it is very wrong.” He expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to create enough employment opportunities for the youth and voiced his determination to champion their causes in the 2027 elections. “I will have the support of youth because I will fight for their rights and job opportunities,” he said.
Wajackoyah also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of betraying the public by seeking sympathy rather than offering genuine alternatives to the Kenya Kwanza government. He claimed that some opposition figures, once advocates for democracy, had shifted their focus to tribal politics and were no longer serving the best interests of the nation. “If you are fighting for democracy, remain on that lane. Don’t change to seek sympathy from one tribe or another,” he stated, further emphasizing that Kenya’s unity should not be compromised for political gain.
Reaffirming His Political Independence:
Despite his critiques of President Ruto’s administration, Wajackoyah revealed that he supported the post-election dialogue between the President and opposition leader Raila Odinga but stated that the President was only forced into forming a broad-based government due to mounting political pressure. “The president had been pushed into a corner and needed someone to bail him out,” he remarked. Wajackoyah also clarified that he had turned down multiple offers for Cabinet Secretary positions from President Ruto, distancing himself from the Kenya Kwanza government.
On the matter of political alliances, Wajackoyah firmly stated that the Roots Party would not be joining the Azimio alliance, nor would it form any coalition with figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa. “I was not part of Azimio. I was a friend of Azimio, but I never signed an agreement with them,” he explained. He emphasized that his party would only work with individuals who share its values and principles.
Roots Party’s Future:
Wajackoyah also outlined his vision for the future of the Roots Party, announcing that candidates running on the party ticket would undergo a rigorous vetting process. He vowed that only fresh faces, with clean records and a commitment to reform, would be allowed to represent the party in the next election. “We will not allow our party to be used as a conduit for theft,” he said, stressing the importance of integrity in political leadership.
As he prepares for his 2027 presidential bid, Wajackoyah is continuing to engage with the public and church leaders to refine his manifesto, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of the Kenyan people. “People didn’t understand me last time, but now the Anglican bishops and others are engaging with me. They are starting to see the potential in what I’m advocating,” he noted, signaling a more inclusive approach to his political strategy.
With his bold ideas, critical stance on government policies, and commitment to youth empowerment, Wajackoyah is positioning himself as a formidable candidate in the 2027 presidential race.
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