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Justina Wamae slams politicians feeding on poverty to promote election violence
29th November, 2025 04:07 PM
Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has criticised politicians for exploiting the poverty and vulnerability of voters, warning that handouts during elections fuel violence and manipulation.
In a statement shared on her X account on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Wamae questioned the ethical standards of political leaders who exploit voters’ vulnerabilities while themselves benefiting from government resources, arguing that such practices deepen cynicism and distrust in the political system.
She highlighted that when politicians engage in the same behaviours they condemn in others, it creates a cycle of hypocrisy and undermines efforts to promote fair and peaceful elections.
“Now that voters in Kenya love handouts and freebies, citing poverty. Is it ok for politicians to also collect incentives from the government of the day? Two can play that game, right? Hypocrites!”
Her remarks come a day after she highlighted poverty and hopelessness as key drivers behind the surge in violence and intimidation that marred Thursday’s by-elections in Kenya.
In a post on November 28, Wamae said many voters, trapped in desperate circumstances, no longer feel they have anything to lose, making them easy targets for coercion.
“You may blame IEBC and the police all you want. You may go to court if you deem it necessary, but the big question remains: why is there an increase in goonism in our elections? Poverty and hopelessness have rendered voters desperate; they no longer have anything to live for or to lose,” Wamae stated.
She added that the focus on minor election irregularities fails to address the deeper economic struggles affecting Kenyans.
“The shenanigans in wantam and tutam are not answering the real issues affecting Kenyans. Kenyans do not want handouts; circumstances force them. All Kenyans want is for their genuine effort to be rewarded,” she said.
Chaotic by-elections
The comments follow violent incidents during the by-elections held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in constituencies including Malava in Kakamega County and Mbeere North in Embu County. The polls were seen as a key test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Malava, violence erupted when unknown assailants set fire to a Toyota Prado belonging to Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya. The vehicle was torched in Manyonje village, Butali Ward, after attackers fired shots into the air, assaulted supporters, and looted belongings.
Earlier, clashes at a hotel where opposition candidate Seth Panyako and his team were meeting left some people injured.
In Mbeere North, polling agents were attacked while heading to their stations, and hostile groups gathered near polling centres, raising fears over voter safety.
