By WMW
Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has stepped up his 2027 presidential bid with a bold push into the Nyanza region, opening Safina Party offices in Kisumu and Siaya counties while sharply criticising the government’s economic record.
Speaking during the launches on Saturday, Wanjigi said the new offices are not symbolic but operational centres aimed at mobilising citizens around what he termed Kenya’s “economic liberation struggle.”
The Siaya office is located along the Ng’iya–Siaya Road near Barding Junction, while the Kisumu office sits in the Buoye area along the Nairobi highway.
Addressing supporters, Wanjigi framed his campaign around economic security, arguing that political freedoms achieved since independence remain incomplete without tangible economic progress.
He described the current moment as a “pivotal turning point” requiring bold decisions to transform Kenya into a productive, self-reliant economy.
In a direct attack on President William Ruto’s administration, Wanjigi accused the government of presiding over rising debt, corruption and economic hardship.
He claimed billions of public funds had been lost through questionable dealings and faulted what he termed as an “extraction economy” that burdens citizens while benefiting a few elites.
“The tyrant government cannot guarantee freedom if it cannot secure livelihoods,” Wanjigi said, adding that many Kenyans continue to struggle with basic needs such as food, education and healthcare.
Central to his message was the Safina Party’s slogan; “Pesa Fist Agenda,” an economic blueprint he says will reduce reliance on borrowing, simplify taxation to a five per cent sales tax, expand access to affordable credit and invest in large-scale manufacturing and high-value agriculture. He also promised to cut bureaucratic red tape and lower the cost of doing business to spur innovation and job creation.
Wanjigi urged Kenyans to shift from consumption to production, arguing that sustainable prosperity depends on building industries that create jobs and retain wealth within the country.
“A producing nation becomes rich,” he said, emphasising the need for competitive local industries powered by affordable energy.
The Safina leader also made a strong appeal for national unity, dismissing ethnic politics and regional divisions. He said the “politics of divide and rule” had been overtaken by a new generation of voters focused on economic opportunity and accountability.
The expansion into Nyanza—long considered a stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) comes amid internal debates within the party over zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.
Recent remarks by ODM figures, including Oburu Odinga, indicate ongoing negotiations and uncertainty over coalition dynamics.
Political analysts say Wanjigi’s move signals an attempt by smaller parties to carve out influence in regions traditionally dominated by major political formations.
His grassroots approach, anchored on establishing local offices, is seen as an effort to build direct engagement with voters beyond election cycles.
Wanjigi announced plans to continue the nationwide rollout with a similar launch in Meru next week, insisting that his presidential ambitions remain firmly on track.
He said Safina’s strategy is to create a broad-based movement focused on economic justice, job creation and inclusive growth.
“As Kenyans, we are not aiming to survive; we are aiming to thrive,” he told supporters, calling for collective action to secure what he described as the country’s economic independence.
Alex Njeru