Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi has secured a political boost ahead of the 2027 General Election after Florence Atieno, popularly known as Atis Dollar, defected from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to join his camp.
Atieno, a women’s rights advocate and long-time ODM grassroots mobiliser, was unveiled as Safina’s new National Women Coordinator. She pledged to rally women across constituencies to back Wanjigi’s bid, citing the rising cost of living and lack of job opportunities under current leadership.
“Women are the backbone of our families and communities, yet they face rising food prices and unemployment because of failed leadership,” Atieno said during her reception.
Wanjigi, who recently took over the Safina mantle from veteran politician Paul Muite, welcomed Atieno as a “game changer” in his mobilisation strategy. He argued that women and youth will anchor Safina’s push for what he calls Kenya’s “economic liberation.”
“Mothers are the true voice of the nation. Change is coming. We will not pay odious debts, we will slash VAT from 16% to 5%, provide free education from primary to secondary, and stop reckless domestic borrowing,” said Wanjigi, a vocal critic of successive regimes’ fiscal policies.
The businessman-turned-politician promised a nationwide campaign targeting disillusioned voters, while warning of attempts to rig the upcoming elections. “We are ready for a campaign Kenya has never seen before. IEBC must deliver a free and fair election,” he said.
Safina Deputy Party Leader, lawyer Willis Otondi, reiterated the party’s economic blueprint dubbed F.I.S.T., which prioritises free universal healthcare, education, sustainable debt management, and job creation.
Wanjigi is positioning Safina as a challenger to both President William Ruto’s ruling coalition and a fragmented opposition. With ODM leader Raila Odinga expected to exit the stage, the 2027 race is shaping up around Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ex-CS Fred Matiang’i’s allies, and governors such as George Natembeya.
Safina hopes defections like Atieno’s will help build momentum in what analysts say could be one of the most unpredictable elections in Kenya’s history.
