Kenyan businessman and political strategist Jimi Wanjigi has opened up about one of the most defining decisions of his youth — giving up alcohol at just 25.

In a candid conversation with Dr. Ofweneke, Wanjigi spoke with the ease of a man long at peace with his choice. He recalled how he walked away from the social habits that once seemed harmless but, in his view, were quietly eroding his potential.

“At age 25, I stopped drinking, and I really advise people to learn to take a step back,” Wanjigi said. “Kwanza hii ya sherehe — I asked myself, what is this nonsense? We are just talking about what we did last weekend and how great we were in school. We are not even talking about tomorrow. Since then, I quit.”

For him, alcohol wasn’t just a social indulgence — it was a thief of focus.

“Alcohol was taking growth away from me,” he admitted. “It made me realise how much time and energy people waste talking about the past, rather than planning the future.”

Wanjigi said that once he quit, his mind sharpened. His goals became clearer. The decision marked the start of a journey that would later see him build an expansive business empire and emerge as one of Kenya’s most recognisable political players.

“I wanted to start making decisions that would affect my tomorrow — not just reliving yesterday,” he said.

A Pattern of Reflection

It’s not the first time Wanjigi has shared this story. During a 2023 interview on The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori, he offered a similar account — the same firm tone, the same conviction.

“At the age of 25, I quit drinking alcohol,” he said then. “Nothing happened — I just wanted to change my lifestyle. I was tired that every weekend, every what, sijui what, tuko hapa Sunday tunakunywa pombe, tunakula nyama.”

In that conversation, he laughed at the routine he once followed — a weekend carousel of drinks and roasted meat. Beneath the humour, though, was the seriousness of a man who had grown tired of chasing fleeting highs.

“I refused to take pombe anymore,” he said simply.

A Broader Message

Wanjigi’s story now reads as more than personal reflection. It is a broader commentary on discipline, purpose, and the choices that shape one’s destiny.

Known for his sharp political instincts and controversial yet formidable presence in Kenyan business, Wanjigi used the moment to urge self-awareness among young people — especially in a country where alcohol abuse has become a public concern.

“You must learn when to step back and reflect on where your life is going. For me, quitting alcohol was one of those decisions that gave me direction and purpose,” he said.

His remarks come as Kenya continues to grapple with rising cases of alcohol addiction and illicit brew consumption — a crisis that has drawn government warnings and community alarm.

For Wanjigi, the solution begins with the individual. A decision to stop, to reflect, and to take control of one’s story.