ODM Presidential Aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi Pleads with the Party Not to lock him out

Wanjigi who declared interest to run for president in next year's general elections said ODM should not lock out hopefuls who did not meet the initial deadline of submission of papers.

The businessman and politician also want the Raila Odinga-led party to assure supporters of a free and fair nomination process in choosing the party's candidate.

"We would want the party to consider reopening applications for the presidential candidate. We are expecting that you will hear our plea and open another window to allow us to make applications," Wanjigi said.

He noted the country which was founded on the foundation of democratic ideals should not ruin the nomination process.

"We want a transparent process in the nomination; we don't want any chaos in Kasarani. This is a party built on a strong foundation of democracy and transparency," he said.

Wanjigi was speaking at Chungwa House when he met ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen to present his concerns to the party.

Wanjigi who has been opening a number of offices especially in Central Kenya also dismissed claims that he is running a parallel office.

He explained that all he is interested in is to popularize and take the party to areas where it has no presence.

"Our aim is to take the party to the people. Our aim is to bring everyone to this great party. We are not running a parallel office, we are popularizing the party," Wanjigi said.

Sifuna however urged the politician to be informing the party headquarters before opening new offices.