We are all equal – Wanjigi tells Raila in battle for ODM presidential ticket
Businessman and presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi has called for a fair and transparent process in the selection of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) flag bearer in the 2022 presidential race.
Speaking in Mombasa on Saturday, October 2, Wanjigi accused his party leader Raila Odinga of sabotaging democracy in the party by chairing meetings aimed at stifling Wanjigi's presidential bid through an ODM ticket.
"I don't know if our party leader will vie for the presidency or not. But what I know is that he (Raila) can not be the referee, linesman, captain, the VAR and still be a player in the party. That is not acceptable. We are all equal," Wanjigi said.
The businessman further accused fellow party members of attacks against him while his popularisation tour of the party, pointing a finger at ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
"The Sec-Gen and our party leader were in a meeting where they said they are warning me because I am popularising the party by opening its offices across the country," Wanjigi said.
In a quest to stamp authority in the party, Sifuna on Thursday, September 30 threatened to take disciplinary action against members purporting to open branch offices without consultations with the national office.
"We wish to remind all members that whenever there is a need to open any party office, the same must be done in consultation with the national office failure to which such offices will not be recognised," Sifuna said adding that violation of such a rule will attract disciplinary action.
On Tuesday, Kilifi ODM chairman Teddy Mwambire downplayed Wanjigi's Mombasa tour stating that the businessman was just on an adventure since he has not been allegedly following the party’s protocol on Presidential campaigns.
“I think he is on an adventure, if he has to come to meet delegates, he should have followed party procedures,” Mwambire said.
Wanjigi's Mombasa tour coupled with the statements from ODM comes after the businessman wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties asking that ODM outlines the presidential nomination process.
He also wrote to ODM demanding a certified list of party delegates who are to attend the National Delegates Convention.
