Safina party leader Jimi Wanjigi has expressed support to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections scheduled between February 15-16, 2025, in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

In a statement on Friday, February 14, 2025, Wanjigi noted that it would be an honour to have Raila on the continental seat and that the country was rooting for him.

“I wish my brother Raila Amolo Odinga abundant success in his quest for the AU chairmanship! It would be a tremendous honor for Kenya to secure this prestigious position,” Wanjigi observed.

“In Raila, Africa gains a skilled statesman with a profound understanding of our continent’s challenges and shared aspirations,” he added.

The remarks come just hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua equally expressed his support publicly for the first time, for Raila, noting that there is no doubt about Raila’s global outlook and commitment to championing the African people adding that Africa will be in safe hands if he wins.

“Kenya’s finest Rt. Hon.@RailaOdinga Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best. There is no doubt about Raila’s worldview and championship for African people,” Gachagua said.

Raila and Wanjigi’s friendship

Raila’s friendship with Wanjigi dates back to 2013 when the businessman broke into the limelight after staying in the shadows for years.

In the instances where Wanjigi’s home was raided and ransacked by police officers, Raila has been a frequent guest in his Muthaiga family home with the latest public visit occurring on August 9, 2024.

Wanjigi had just participated in the Nane-Nane protests of August 8, 2024, protests and had been trailed back to his Muthaiga home where police officers laid a siege of the premises for hours.

After a visit by Odinga, a fiery Wanjigi emerged from the house cautioning the officers against looking for him in his own house.

“Stop looking for me in my house, you will never find me. Seven years ago, they looked for me in this house and they could not find me. Even now, if you look for me in this house you will not find me. Please, don’t do it again. You will be wasting your time,” Wanjigi said on August 9, 2024.

“If you want me, just issue a simple summons and I will appear where you want me. Stop looking for me in this house, you will never find me, never. Please sisi si wanjinga (we are not fools). We were not born yesterday.”