Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has called on Kenyans to unite in pushing for what he describes as economic sovereignty ahead of the planned June 25, 2026 memorial protests.Speaking on Sunday, June 21, Wanjigi linked his message to the recent Gikomba Market fire, which destroyed several businesses.

He alleged that repeated fires in the market are not accidental, but part of a broader pattern that disadvantages traders and opens up valuable land for private interests.

He emphasised that such destruction of livelihoods must be stopped, noting that many families rely on these markets for their daily survival and long-term economic stability.

Wanjigi also referenced the legacy of his late father, former Kamukunji MP Maina Wanjigi, who played a role in defending and establishing informal trading spaces such as Gikomba and Kamukunji Jua Kali markets.According to him, these spaces were meant to empower ordinary Kenyans economically and protect their independence.

In his statement, Wanjigi criticised the 2026/27 national budget and the Finance Bill 2026, arguing that they are unconstitutional and place an unfair tax burden on citizens.

He further claimed that the government’s increasing reliance on borrowing risks pushing the country deeper into debt dependency, which he termed economic slavery.He called for rejection of policies that raise the cost of living and limit public participation in economic decision-making.

The opposition leader also paid tribute to young Kenyans who died during the June 2024 anti-government protests, describing them as key figures in shaping a new movement focused on accountability and economic justice.

Looking ahead to the June 25 demonstrations, Wanjigi insisted that the youth-driven push for reform is irreversible and will continue to demand constitutional governance and economic fairness across the country.