Billionaire Jimi Wanjigi is now a common name among Kenyans after deciding to throw all his weight in politics.
After a lot of pull and push with ODM, the businessman finally found a place to call home as far as politics is concerned and he will be vying for presidency under the Safina party.
Wanjigi was endorsed for the presidential position during the Safina party National Delegates Conference that was held at Bomas of Kenya on March 21,2022.
He will be facing the likes of DP William Rutom, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Rev Waihiga Mwaure among others who are looking forward to succeed president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The businessman was born in 1962 as the second born. His parents are James Maina Wanjigi and Mary Wanjigi. He has three siblings. His father served as a minister during president Moi’s regime and also as an MP for Kamkunji.
He schooled at Woodley Nursery School, St. Mary’s School, York University in Canada & Daystar University.
His love for business can be traced back to his high school days, where he used to sell stuff and keep the profits and today he owns several properties including the Kwacha group of companies, TYL Limited, Caramel Restaurant and Lounge as well as several properties.
Wanjigi married on March 15, 1997. He married Irene Nzisa who holds a degree in Finance and manages the family’s real estate business. Together, they have two children namely, Maina Wanjigi and Wambui Wanjigi.
Wanjigi came into the limelight after working at his fathers company, Kwacha group of companies, that is based in Westlands, Nairobi. He became a household name in 2016 after the death of businessman Jacob Juma.
Wanjigi has been in politics since 1992 though not actively. Then, he was actively involved with Kenneth Matiba’s campaign during Kenya’s first multi-party elections.
He then shifted his support to the late George Saitoti but after his death in June 2012, the father of two supported president Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto for the 2013 General Elections.
In 2017, Wanjigi shifted his support to Raila Odinga and this saw him fall out with president Kenyatta. The businessman has now decided that it is his time to head to the Statehouse.
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