A section of Western Kenya leaders has thrown its support behind Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, calling for him to become President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election.
The leaders want the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to secure the Deputy President position in the proposed political agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ikolomani Member of Parliament Bernard Shinali led the latest campaign during a grassroots mobilisation meeting in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.
Shinali, who chairs the Kakamega MPs Caucus, said ODM should be given the second-highest position in government if the party agrees to support Ruto's re-election.
He described Oparanya as a suitable candidate because of his political experience and leadership record.
According to Shinali, Oparanya has served as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet minister and two-term governor of Kakamega County. He is currently serving in Ruto's Cabinet as the Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary.
Shinali also pointed to Oparanya's long association with ODM and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He argued that the former Kakamega governor has the experience needed to work with Ruto while representing ODM's interests in government.
Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda also supported the broad-based arrangement, saying Western Kenya residents had benefited from government programmes, particularly in agriculture.
Oparanya, who attended the meeting, confirmed that ODM and UDA were discussing a possible political agreement ahead of the next General Election.
He revealed that the two parties were preparing to establish a ten-member committee, with each party expected to nominate five representatives to negotiate the proposed arrangement.
However, he noted that the final decision on government positions would depend on the outcome of the negotiations.
The push for Oparanya comes amid growing competition over who will deputise Ruto if he seeks another term.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's supporters have also been campaigning for him to retain the position. The debate is likely to test ODM's unity as different leaders seek influential positions in the proposed partnership.
For now, Oparanya has received public backing from several Western Kenya politicians, but President Ruto has not announced his preferred running mate for 2027.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nyKge4pw/
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