Jimmy Wanjigi wants ODM to re-open applications for top party ticket

Businessman Jimmy Wanjig with ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna (left). [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi has appealed to ODM top organ to re-open the nomination application process for presidential aspirants.

Wanjigi, who has declared his intention to contest the ticket alongside party leader Raila Odinga, deputy party leaders and governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), made the request through ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna.

Early in the year, ODM National Elections Board chaired by Catherine Mumma called for applications from aspirants and by close of the deadline, which was extended once, only Oparanya and Joho had applied.

Raila is also to submit his papers to run on the party’s ticket. Speaking yesterday at Chungwa House, Wanjigi urged party officials to step up membership recruitment.

Jimmy Wanjigi speaks at Chungwa House in Nairobi yesterday. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

“I have come to announce that I will be vying for the ODM party leader position in the coming primaries. We would like you to open up the nominations for the presidential tickets. If the exercise was suspended, then it means it can be opened. We are optimistic that you will open up the process and give us time to submit our papers formally,” said Wanjigi.

Wanjigi defended his earlier sentiments that he would open new party branches in counties such as Murang’a, noting that the move was part of a party popularisation drive, especially in areas it does not enjoy big support.

“My team and I are currently engaged in membership recruitment across the country and more so in regions where we have found ODM does not exist,” he said.