Business magnet and politician Jimmy Wanjigi has clarified why he opted to pursue politics despite his achievements in commerce.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube platform on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Wanjigi mentioned that governance and enterprise are two wholly separate domains, and his choice to join politics was motivated by an aim to aid the public.
He remarked that there is a notion that individuals enter public service to conduct enterprise, which he characterized as the most regrettable misunderstanding.
Pertaining to Wanjigi, public service concerns assisting citizens, whereas commerce involves making returns by offering products or support, rendering the pair inherently distinct.
Wanjigi added that over the past decade or so, there has been a rising conviction that individuals enter governance to amass wealth from public funds, which he stated is an incorrect view. He clarified that one ought to enter politics to aid the citizens and labor for their improvement, with any individual gain arriving only as a result — politicians are part of the populace but the last to profit.
“Commerce is about making gains for oneself by providing goods or services to the populace. There are two distinct matters. But what has occurred is that over the past perhaps ten years or so, maybe a bit longer, there is this notion that you enter politics to become wealthy using the common people’s funds,” Wanjigi remarked.
He likened politicians to the commander of a capsizing vessel, asserting that they must prioritize others first.
Wanjigi mentioned former President Mwai Kibaki, noting that he was honored for his contributions to Kenyans rather than for profiting financially from politics.
Distinction between governance and commerce
He underscored that business background does not inherently bestow political skill. Wanjigi stated that governance demands a lucid grasp of one’s aim, which is to guide the nation’s inhabitants toward affluence and a shared philosophy.
Wanjigi further asserted that commerce is merely one component of a nation’s framework, pointing out that there are also faith, generations, the citizenry, and the territory, making business just a minor facet among numerous others.
He explained that he entered politics because he perceived a summons to minister to the Kenyan people and that he holds firm beliefs in clear blueprints to assist the country in navigating its present hurdles. Wanjigi observed that Kenya is undergoing one of the most severe financial stretches in its history, which he characterized as far more dire than the tough times during the Moi era.
He finished by emphasizing that if the economy isn’t managed, endeavors in governance are fruitless, and he feels equipped with the answers necessary for the nation’s fiscal emancipation.
The comments were made days following Wanjigi assuming command of the Safina Party from Paul Muite, who had steered the party for upwards of 30 years since 1995, with Willis Otieno slated to function as his deputy party chief should Wanjigi pursue his presidential aspirations.
