Justina Wamae reveals what made her turn down govt’s job offer
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 16, 2025Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has opened up about why she turned down a job offer from the Kenya Kwanza government in June 2024.
Speaking during a podcast on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Justina recalled receiving the offer at the height of the Gen Z protests in 2024, shortly after giving birth to her son.
She narrated how a friend of her mother called her and warned against accepting the position, saying Gen Zs online had vowed to burn her house and confront her physically—a threat commonly expressed using the term kusalimiwa, which became popular during the protests.
“During the time when my son was a month old, I was given a job by the government during Gen Z’s protests. I remember my mum’s friend calling her and saying, ‘Tell her not to take that job. Gen Z are saying that watamsalimia. They will burn her house.'”
She revealed that she had actually requested a job back in 2022 at the start of the current administration, but this particular offer came unexpectedly.
According to her, the government seemed disconnected from public sentiment at the time. She believes the offer was part of a strategy to calm public anger by appointing popular or influential individuals but noted that the ground had shifted.
Kenyans were no longer tribal or partisan, and a job given to someone from a certain community was no longer seen as a solution for the people.
“It showed that the government is giving solutions that are not up-to-date, because when Gen Zs were making noise, what made them think that giving people jobs would solve the problem? Because when a Gikuyu is given a job, they will say that is his salary and his family,” she added.
Offer
In July 2024, President Ruto appointed Justina Wamae to a 20-member Presidential Taskforce on Human Resources for Health, tasked with auditing health resources.
However, she declined the offer, citing her maternity leave as a factor that would hinder her ability to serve effectively. While expressing gratitude for the recognition of her capabilities, she emphasised that her personal circumstances took priority at the time.