Oparanya: Am counting on Raila’s Support to be president

Once voted the best performing Governor in Kenya, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has fronted his bid to become the president of Kenya.

The Orange Democratic Movement Deputy Party leader has asked his boss ODM leader Raila Odinga to support his 2022 presidential bid.

Oparanya said he has never been waverly to his his leader and it’s time his loyalty to Raila be rewarded through Odinga supporting his presidential bid.

“I have been supporting my party leader for over two decades now and I’m ready and ripe to take over from him and complete his journey,” Oparanya said.

He spoke at Mukoye Catholic Church in Butere subcounty during the burial service for Dr John Wamakonjio on Saturday. Wamakonjio was Oparanya’s adviser on education matters. 

Deputy Governor Professor Philip Kutima, Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda attended the service.

Oparanya has already submitted his nomination papers to the ODM seeking to carry the party’s presidential flag in 2022 general election.

ODM made an announcement Calling for submission of application for those who wanted to fly the party’s presidential ticket in the next year’s general elections.

So far, only Oparanya and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho have submitted their nomination papers, the party said last month paying Sh 1 million each for the applications.

The two are both deputy party leaders.

The party revealed that Raila did not submit his papers.

Oparanya said he will continue meeting and consulting other political leaders regardless of their party affiliations to explore alliances that can help his ascension to statehouse

Oparanya’s two-terms as Kakamega governor will end next year. The county boss has been on the spot after he secretly held talks with Deputy President William Ruto in Narok two weeks ago. He has also met Wiper leader Kalonzo Mosyoka.

Oparanya is fully depending on Raila’s endorsement and his development record to grab the top national seat.

“As leaders, we should not sow seeds of hatred among our supporters. We should compete on ideologies and when defeated accept the defeat and support the winner,” he said.

Kutima asked Oparanya to continue holding talks with other national leaders.

“The governor is ripe for the top leadership of this country. We are behind him and we encourage him to seek support from other leaders across the country,” Kutima said.

Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa, DP William Ruto’s follower, said he will campaign for Oparanya should the governor unrelentingly pushes his bid.