Don’t be the author of ODM’s death –Wanjigi tells Sifuna

Presidential aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi has called on ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna to conduct party elections as soon as possible.

In a letter seen by the Star, Wanjigi said that he has seen media reports that ODM party officials will be selected by consensus, which is a gross violation of the party constitution.

“It is vague, improper, and clearly flies in the face of the mood of members who wish to participate in a transparent democratic process to reinvigorate the party for the 2022 elections,” he said.

“Do not become the author of ODM’s demise through this obvious violation of the intent of the founders and members of this party.”

Wanjigi warned that the consequences of Sifuna’s actions will send the party to its death, and that his demands are within the limits of the party constitution.

He added that the party’s National Elections Board is supposed to notify the public of intended party elections not less than 21 days to the intended date, which did not happen yet the SG confirmed that grassroots elections have been ongoing in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.

“The upshot of contaminated elections is that your office will drag the party into unnecessary litigation processes as members seek justice and try to correct the wrongs and ultimately tear the party to pieces,” Wanjigi said.

He added, “My demand is simply that the spirit and the letter of the democratic tenets secured in the party constitution be followed to the tee.”

He also demanded a list of special groups’ representatives from all counties who will attend the National Delegates Conference, confirmation of delegates’ conference timelines, timing and mechanisms for party primaries across all levels and any other activities the party intends to have.

On Sunday, September 5, Wanjigi urged ODM delegates to express democracy that the party advocates and conduct their activities in transparency.

He also called upon the party leader Raila Odinga to drop his bid for the presidency in his favour.

Speaking in Siakago, Wanjigi said Raila is a hero of the second liberation and should realize that he cannot be a hero any further.

“The third liberation will take place in 2022 general elections which will have a new era of leaders for modern challenges,” he said.

Edited by CM