Tycoon Jimmy Wanjigi Urges Kenyans to Rally Behind His 2022 Presidential Bid

Businessman-turned politician Jimmy Wanjigi has called on Kenyans to back his 2022 presidential bid.

Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting with aspirants in the 2022 general election, the tycoon stated that it is time for the third-generation liberators to take over the mantle of the country’s leadership.

Wanjigi said he will be traversing the country to rally Kenyans to support his bid for the presidency on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket.

Aspirants who attended the meeting urged ODM leaders to allow Wanjigi to be the party’s presidential flagbearer in 2022.

Wanjigi, who termed his quest for the presidency as unstoppable, hit out at the new political realignments being formed ahead of next year’s general elections.

"The youth are the bedrock of the Kenyan economy and should be front and center in political discussions. Wakati wetu umefika," he told the gathering on Wednesday.

Wanjigi took a swipe at the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) leaders, saying they have been in power for more than three decades but their development track record is wanting. OKA leaders include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of ANC, Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, and Kanu’s Gideon Moi. 

Wanjigi, who is credited with being the brain behind Uhu-Ruto Alliance in 2013 and NASA’s campaign strategy in 2017, announced his presidential bid in June, saying he shall not be king making this time round. 

“Let me confirm that I shall be in active politics and will not be playing my previous role as a kingmaker,” said Wanjigi.

The billionaire is the son of Maina Wanjigi, a wealthy politician who served in the late former President Daniel Moi’s administration.