Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi speaks when he received the 82 Airforce Veterans on September 10, 2026/HANDOUT

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has pledged to pay Sh9 billion owed to Air Force veterans within the first three months of taking over government if elected in 2027.

Wanjigi made the commitment on Thursday after receiving a delegation of 82 Air Force veterans seeking his help in demanding payment from the government.

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi speaks when he received the 82 Airforce Veterans on September 10, 2026/HANDOUT

He said the funds were owed to veterans who were dismissed from service about 44 years ago following the 1982 coup attempt.

According to Wanjigi, more than 400 veterans were dismissed and have continued to await compensation following a court process that found their dismissal unfair.

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi speaks when he received the 82 Airforce Veterans on September 10, 2026/HANDOUT

He said the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered the government to release the payments, but the funds have not been paid.

Wanjigi also said the High Court ordered the arrest of Defence PS Patrick Mariru over failure to enforce the payment.

He questioned why the order had not resulted in action as the veterans continued to struggle in old age.

“We demand that the government releases these funds soonest possible,” Wanjigi said.

He said Kenya was governed by the rule of law and court orders should be respected.

“Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law and as such, these orders must be respected,” he said.

Wanjigi said the veterans had served the country with courage, selflessness and pride, arguing that they should not be left to live undignified lives.

“Many of these veterans served Kenya courageously, selfless and with pride and we cannot watch them live undignified lives no more,” he said.

The Safina leader said his party had agreed to sign a charter with the 82 veterans, committing to settle the payment within the first three months of taking over government in 2027.

“My government commits to clear this payment and treat all veterans with honour and dignity,” Wanjigi said.

He added that service to the nation with unwavering loyalty deserved recognition.

“Service to a nation with unwavering loyalty is a great service deserving honour,” he said.