Jimi Wanjigi Unveils New Strategy to Counter Raila

Safina presidential aspirant, Jimi Wanjigi, has launched a digital campaign to counter the digital rallies held by his former ally turned competitor and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya candidate, Raila Odinga.

However, unlike Raila's digital rally which is held periodically and streamed on YouTube and Facebook, Wanjigi has opted for the popular messaging app, WhatsApp, targetting a larger number of Kenyans, especially the youthful generation.

Unlike Raila's digital rally which is graced by artists and the weekly magazine, The Supporter, Wanjigi's campaign, launched on Friday, May 6, will see him chat live with Kenyans for one hour between 8pm and 9pm in a bid to popularise his presidency and woo more supporters and voters.

A poster of Jimi Wanjigi's ChatWithJimi social media strategy

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Jimi Wanjigi

“This is my political collaboration between me and the Kenyan people.

“Send your honest sentiments or questions to me on the dedicated number and I will personally respond to them,” he announced.

One of the most asked questions during the first WhatsApp chat was on unemployment. A majority of those who engaged the presidential aspirant sought to understand how he would create jobs and rebuild the economy.

Wanjigi was put to task by Kenyans to explain how he will lower the cost of living by bringing down the prices of fuel to below the Ksh100 mark as well as making the business environment more accommodative.

The businessman, who is making his entry into elective politics with a stab at the presidency, has insisted that he will not bow to pressure and cede grounds to any competitor.

After attending a Sunday service on May 1, Wanjigi dismissed the two-horse race narrative, warning contenders against writing him off. 

“They have been trying to create a narrative that this is a two-horse race, this is something that has been planned for a long time. We know how such backdoor deals are made, we have been part of them. The current coalitions are tribal cocoons.

“I want to work with right thinking Kenyans who have decided to come to the table and be counted and provide solutions,” he stated at the time.

Wanjigi of the Safina Party is among seven aspirants enjoying party support ahead of the 2022 General Election. 

Others include Raila Odinga of Azimio, United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) William Samoei Ruto and Prof George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that over 46 independent candidates will also contest for the presidency should they be cleared to run. 

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) campaign in Nairobi and Nakuru respectively in January 2022

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DPPS/Raila Odinga