Presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi has joined the Safina party, after his troubles with the Raila Odinga-led party (ODM) ahead of the August elections.
The businessman turned politician was on Wednesday, March 9 received to Safina by party leader and former presidential candidate Paul Muite.
Speaking after, he joined the party, Wanjigi revealed that he will be vying for the presidency in August using the new party.
“Our path for Democracy will not be stopped. Our Dream for the Economic Liberation of Kenyans is more alive than ever and we will achieve that in the Safina Party. The Ark has left the dock & our destination is the Presidency of this great Republic,” Wanjigi said.
The Paul Muite led the party, will be holding their National Delegates Convention on March 21, where they will officially endorse the business tycoon for the top seat.
The move by Wanjigi come weeks after he quit Raila Odinga’s party (ODM) in what he accused it of dictatorship terming the endorsement of the opposition leader as ODM’s presidential candidate as unfair.
The former prime minister’s friend turned enemy has had a frosty relationship with the ODM party since he declared his interest in the presidency.
The ODM had on several occasions accused Wanjigi of trying to sabotage the presidential ambition of Raila Odinga.
During the ODM NDC, Wanjigi was roughed up by ODM youths as he tried to make his way inside the Kasarani stadium indoor arena for the ODM meeting.
The businessman was forced to take shelter at Kasarani Stadium police post as youths threatened to beat him up.
The businessman later said that the ODM leader should be held responsible for the violence meted against him.
“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 contest.” Wanjgi said.
