Jimi Wanjigi Names Lawyer Willis Otieno as His Running Mate

Safina Party presidential flagbearer Jimi Wanjigi has settled on lawyer Willis Otieno as his running mate in the August 9th elections.

Wanjigi unveiled Otieno as his running mate during a meeting with more than 200 delegates at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Tuesday.

“My running mate is a young man that I have walked a journey with. I want the young people to know that this is their government,” Wanjigi said.

The businessman described Otieno as a diligent professional whose values are outstanding and exuded confidence that they will clinch the country’s leadership in August.

"He was an easy choice because I know with him we are in safe hands. He is a great young man, a diligent professional and a great friend who has had my back. He represents Kenyans who are aged 40 years and below," said Wanjigi.

He vowed to mobilize the youth who make up 80 percent of the country’s population, stating that the time is ripe to grab the leadership of the country from dynasties.

“This is a country that has for too long dealt with too few people. We don’t want to change the monkeys but also the forest. I want Kenyans to stand up and be counted, they can’t plan us,” Wanjigi added.

While accepting the nomination, Otieno (39) said their administration will involve the youth in making transformative reforms for the people of Kenya.

"There is an opportunity for every young person in the country. The time has come when we must stand up and say that our voices must be heard. We will be seeking the votes of Kenyans who have suffered in the last 10 years but not those who have enjoyed life in the last decade," said Otieno.

Otieno was head of the Raila Odinga presidential campaign secretariat in 2017.