Billionaire businessman cum politician Jimmy Wanjigi has revealed that he has not yet been invited to attend ODM leader Raila Odinga's December 10, 2021, event at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, December 5, the presidential hopeful gave detail of his current relationship with the former premier on account of the recent rivalry for the ODM presidential ticket.
Wanjigi stated that his friendship with Odinga is good despite the recent political rivalry.
File image of businessman Jimmy Wanjigi. |Photo| Courtesy|
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He, however, noted that as it stands, he is better placed to represent the interests of the party and members of the public as ODM's flag bearer.
"Raila is my good friend and I have a lot of respect for him. I have said it before and I will say it again. He is a hero of the second liberation and for that, we owe this democratic space that we have.
"If he decides and chooses to run then we are competitors, let the best candidate win," Wanjigi stated.
He further revealed that he has not been part of Odinga's Azimio la Umoja campaign, and has not been invited to the December 10 event.
"I have not been invited. I do not know what it is because it is not an ODM affair. I hear it is Azimio la Umoja and I have not been part of it," he disclosed.
Touching on the ODM presidential ticket race, Wanjigi stated that he is open to seeking alternatives, should ODM hand the former premier a direct ticket.
“It will hurt my opponent more than me. There are people who are supporting my candidature and we shall chart a way forward from there.
“I believe in ODM, I like the party very much and I am hopeful that it will stand by the tenants of its constitution,” he stated.
Wanjigi noted that he is willing to work with like-minded politicians in the country, among them Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to form an alliance ahead of the August 9, 2022, General elections.
"Steve is my very good friend. We have a long history together. We will team up with like-minded people all over this country especially those who understand that we need economic liberation of this country," he stated.
Wanjigi and Kalonzo attended a function together on Sunday, November 28, where the Wiper leader revealed that he was open to partnering with the businessman if he failed to get the ODM presidential party ticket.
