Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed suggestions that he will leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to form or join a political party for Western Kenya. He said he will remain loyal to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Sunday during a joint ODM-UDA rally in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, Oparanya said he turned down calls from some leaders to push Western Kenya politicians to break away from ODM. He said the calls were based on claims that the party has become dominated by Luo leaders.
Oparanya said he cannot abandon Raila’s legacy, crediting the late leader with advancing his political career.
“Since I joined politics, everything I have achieved in government has come through Raila Odinga. I cannot betray the late Raila Odinga,” he said.
Oparanya is one of ODM’s longest-serving leaders. He previously served as the party’s deputy leader before joining President William Ruto’s Cabinet under the broad-based political agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza in 2024.
“We Started ODM Together in 2005”
Oparanya said several people approached him with proposals to form a Western Kenya political party, arguing that ODM no longer reflects the region’s interests. He rejected the idea, reminding them that leaders from Western Kenya helped establish ODM in 2005.
“When people came to me saying Luhyas should separate because ODM had become a Luo party, I told them to wait. We started ODM together in 2005 and, out of respect for the late Raila Odinga, I cannot leave the party,” he said.
He added that consultations with other regional leaders shaped his decision, saying they collectively agreed to remain within the party.
“We agreed that we should remain in ODM together, and I want to bring all the people of Western Kenya together. That is why all the MPs elected through ODM are here,” he said.
Junet Backs Oparanya for Deputy President
Oparanya was joined at the Malava rally by ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Director of Elections and Campaigns Junet Mohamed, and other local leaders. They urged residents to support the broad-based government.
Speaking at the rally, Junet said ODM could negotiate for the deputy president’s position should the party enter a political arrangement with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections. This remains a proposal and has not been formalized.
Junet also backed Oparanya as a suitable candidate for the role, pointing to his long service within the party and his close working relationship with Raila.
“The one who has stood firmly with Baba for many years, who has served as a Cabinet Secretary and our Deputy Party Leader, is Wycliffe Oparanya,” she said.
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