Jimi Wanjigi intensifies quest to win ODM presidential ticket

Presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi addresses residents of Siaya on September 18, 2021. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Days after a petitioner sought to stop him from campaigning to be ODM presidential flag bearer, businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s quest received a major boost after officials from 12 counties endorsed his candidature.

At the same time, the officials demanded that the party’s National Elections Board reopens the contest for the presidential ticket following its suspension in February.

“We receive Wanjigi into our regions to campaign after locking him out for a while. He has been using the wrong delegates. Today we are happy that he will use the set structures in the party, and we as chairmen, will welcome him to campaign among our delegates,” said Embu County chairman Moses Wamuru.

Those who spoke on behalf of the group include Mr Wamuru (Embu chairperson and Upper Eastern coordinator), the Reverend John Njenga (Nyandarua chairperson) and Jacob Mwanza (chairperson, Machakos).

While thanking the leaders for endorsing him, he also reiterated his demands to the elections board to re-open the presidential ticket contest.

“The presidential contest must be reopened now. We also expect a transparent process down to the MCA level. It must be free and fair. We are in this to make sure the party is stronger, not weaker. It is our right as members to demand free, fair and transparent nominations for all positions,” said Mr Wanjigi.

Others at the meeting were county chair persons from Marsabit, Kiambu, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Nyandarua, Makueni, Isiolo, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Meru and Embu.