Wanjigi challenges Raila to declare presidential bid

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has challenged ODM party leader Raila Odinga to publicly declare his presidential bid.

Wanjigi during a press conference on Saturday said Raila should confirm he will be on the 2022 election ballot.

"Our party leader should now confirm he is a player. Once he confirms, he will know that he cannot be a player, captain, referee and VAR at the same time. I don't know why they are afraid," Wanjigi said.

He said once Raila declares his stand, they will than agree on fair play in the party.

"We can even do party debates. Parties must be owned by the people. They are not kiosks," he said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday gave the clearest signal he is backing  Raila as his preferred successor.

The President made the revelation when addressing a gathering in Kibra where he was accompanied by Raila for a tour of development projects.

The president opened two hospitals in the populous area that Raila represented as MP for decades.

President Kenyatta for the first time left no doubt that he wanted someone who would continue with his development plans after he exits in 2022.

ODM threatened to discipline members opening party offices without express authority from the national office in a move that appears to target Wanjigi.

In a statement released by secretary-general Edwin Sifuna on Wednesday, the party warned that such moves will henceforth attract disciplinary action.

Sifuna issued the warning after a meeting of the party’s top decision making organ– the central committee - chaired by party leader Raila Odinga.

"We have received alarming reports that there are some members of the party purporting to open offices in the grassroots without reference or consultations with the national office," Sifuna said.

“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,” he added.