Following his withdrawal from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), businessman Jimi Wanjigi has joined the Paul Muite-led Safina party, where he is anticipated to resume his Presidential campaign.
Wanjigi on Wednesday stated that he is still in the race despite being kicked out of the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He indicated that he will present his candidacy papers at the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) on March 21.
“Our path for Democracy will not be stopped. Our Dream for the Economic Liberation of Kenyans is more alive than ever & we will achieve that in the Safina Party. The Ark has left the dock & our destination is the Presidency of this great Republic,” said Wanjigi, adding that he hopes to achieve his goals with the help of his new found party.
Read: I’ve Cut Ties with Raila – Wanjigi After Being Ejected from ODM NDC
Wanjigi, known in the world of politics as the fixer, severed political ties with Raila after he was forced to leave the ODM NDC on February 26.
The tycoon who claimed to have been roughed up by rowdy youths, blamed the Azimio la Umoja leader for his woes.
“We were welcomed until we got into the VIP section…Secretary General [Edwin] Sifuna organised goons…But I forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing,” he said.
“I hold Raila responsible…Raila Odinga, I thank you for the kicks and blows that I have received…Two families have decided there is no space for anyone to vie.”
Read Also: Wanjigi Accuses Raila, Uhuru of Working Together to Frustrate Presidential Ambitions
Flanked by former Starehe MP aspirant Steve Mbogo, the businessman also claimed that President Uhuru Kenyatta was using the former prime minister as his patsy so he could continue his reign.
This he said as he noted that Raila had changed. He also warned aspirants seeking the ODM ticket to jump ship because there was no democracy within the orange party.
“I have given my life to Raila, I ask you to reject him….This is not the Raila Odinga I knew…This Raila Odinga is intoxicated by power…My relationship with him in the political arena is over…I have been shown the door, Asante ya punda ni mateke,” said the billionaire.
“Uhuru Kenyatta wants to continue in power through Raila Odinga…This is not about Raila but Uhuru who wants to extend his term.
Read Also: Wanjigi Not a Party Delegate – ODM Says As it Blocks Businessman from Attending NDC
He added: “I got some blows but my security shielded me…It’s unfortunate that I had to run, the view was that it was going to get messy…It is over between me and ODM, the party has cut ties with me.”
Meanwhile, former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has quit the Safina party under unclear circumstances.
The former lawmaker made the announcement via social media saying that the party was no longer fit for his Nyeri senatorial bid.
“After consultations with #KabandoCampaign, allies, stakeholders & a review of developing political scenarios in the party vis-a-vis ideals we hold dear, we have concluded that Safina is no longer fit for #SenatorKabando bid,” he tweeted.
He promised to divulge more details on Friday at 3 pm.
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