In a dramatic political twist, billionaire businessman-turned-politician Jimmy Wanjigi has secured the leadership of Safina Party, setting the stage for a bruising presidential contest in Kenya’s 2027 General Election. The outspoken and polarizing figure, often described as one of the most enigmatic financiers of Kenyan politics, was unanimously elected party leader by Safina delegates, handing him the platform he has long sought to mount a serious bid for State House.
For Wanjigi, the coronation is a vindication. In the 2022 election cycle, he was denied clearance to run by then Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Wafula Chebukati, a decision he bitterly termed a political conspiracy to block outsiders and protect the status quo. Now, with his own political vehicle firmly under his grip, Wanjigi is signaling a fight to the finish against President William Ruto and his formidable Kenya Kwanza coalition, as well as the seasoned ODM leader Raila Odinga, with whom Ruto has forged a broad-based “unity government.”
Break from Raila, New Path with Safina
Once a close ally and financier of Raila Odinga, Wanjigi dramatically broke ranks with the opposition chief ahead of the last polls, charting his own path and presenting himself as a reformist alternative. His defiance and open challenge to Kenya’s traditional political dynasties has endeared him to sections of the electorate—especially the restless youth who identify with his GNZS (Generation Now Zealous Squad) movement.
His alignment with Safina, a party with a history of political idealism under the late Paul Muite, injects new energy into Kenya’s crowded opposition field. Wanjigi has promised to “dot every corner of Kenya with Safina’s red flame”, signaling a massive grassroots mobilization drive in the months ahead.
The Mobilizer with Money and Networks
Unlike many politicians who rise through parliament, Wanjigi’s political career has been fueled by wealth, networks, and audacity. Through his Kwacha Group of Companies, he has built vast financial muscle that analysts say could tilt the electoral scales. He is credited with bankrolling major campaigns in the past, including Raila’s previous presidential bids, giving him leverage and experience in the shadowy art of campaign machinery.
“He is not just another outsider,” says political analyst Dr. Patrick Oduor. “Wanjigi knows how the system works—because for years he has been part of the system, financing it. His ability to connect with ordinary Kenyans while commanding boardroom influence makes him an unusual but potent political force.”
Wanjigi has been cultivating ties with mama mboga traders, boda boda riders, and disillusioned youth, presenting himself as the billionaire who listens to the grassroots. His fiery speeches against economic inequality, corruption cartels, and political betrayal have struck a chord among sections of Kenyans seeking change.
A Crowded Field, A Battle of Titans
The 2027 race is already shaping up as one of the most crowded in recent history. President Ruto will be defending his seat with the full weight of incumbency and a tactical reputation for outmaneuvering rivals. Raila Odinga, though now aligned with government, remains a towering figure with deep-rooted support. Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and other perennial contenders are expected to angle themselves for relevance.
Against this backdrop, Wanjigi’s entry adds unpredictability. His campaign promises a bruising narrative battle: the anti-establishment billionaire mobilizer versus the entrenched incumbents. Whether his financial firepower and Safina’s grassroots revival can translate into votes remains the million-dollar question.
Verdict: Underrated but Unignorable
While skeptics dismiss Wanjigi as a loud disruptor with little electoral ground, his combination of resources, networks, and populist messaging makes him a force that neither Ruto nor Raila can afford to ignore. His Safina takeover is not just symbolic—it is strategic, positioning him as the face of Kenya’s restless electorate hungry for alternatives.
As the country inches closer to 2027, one thing is certain: Jimmy Wanjigi has moved from the shadows of kingmaker to the spotlight of king-seeker.
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