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Jimi Wanjigi accuses Nyanza leaders of betraying Raila’s legacy
Safina Party Leader Jimi Wanjigi during an interview at his Kwacha House offices in Nairobi on October 8, 2025.
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has launched a sharp political attack on leaders from the Nyanza region, accusing them of betraying the electorate by aligning with what he described as an oppressive and self-serving administration.
Speaking during the launch of the Safina Party office in Siaya County, Mr Wanjigi urged regional leaders to prioritise public interest over personal and political expediency.
“Leaders in this region must stop trading away the rights and welfare of their people for narrow, selfish interests. You cannot stand with a government that continues to overtax citizens, plunge the nation deeper into debt, and oversee widespread hardship, then pretend to champion the people’s cause,” he said.
Sharing similar concerns raised by a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement led by Governor James Orengo, Mr Wanjigi warned against what he termed coordinated efforts to infiltrate and erode the region’s political base.
“We shall not allow this regime to impose itself on the political legacy established by our father, Raila Odinga, only to dismantle it for selfish gain. The people of this region must remain vigilant. Your leaders are failing you. They chose to join the government, and now they are crying foul,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when rifts, suspicion, and political tensions threaten to derail pre-election talks between President William Ruto and the ODM Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Two days ago, ODM’s Central Management Committee expressed frustration over what it termed a coordinated scheme to undermine the party, resolving that its members would stop campaigning for President Ruto’s re-election bid until their concerns are addressed.
Turning to his 2027 presidential bid, Wanjigi framed the election as a contest of ideas and economic credibility.
“Those who want power must show their formula. I have shown mine. I will be on the ballot in 2027, and let me be clear, no one understands this economy better than me—not William Ruto, not his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and not even Kalonzo Musyoka and his partners,” he said. “When we get to the ballot, remember my deputy Willis Otieno and me as your liberators.”
His deputy, Willis Otieno, called for urgent reforms in public service delivery, saying the government was benefiting from citizens without adequately providing services.
“We shall not pay debts created to feed a few. Kenyans cannot continue to suffer under the weight of borrowing that does not serve them. That era must come to an end,” he said.
Safina Party Secretary-General Joakim Simiyu struck a defiant tone, expressing confidence that the current administration would not survive the next election.
“This government will not see another term after the next General Election. The people are awake. Enough is enough. Siaya, the time is now. Join Edwin Safina and take back what is yours,” he said.
The Siaya office will serve as a hub for grassroots mobilisation, civic engagement, and policy dialogue as Safina Party accelerates its nationwide expansion.
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