Africa-Press – Kenya. Members of Parliament from the Western region have thrown their weight behind Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Oparanya, endorsing him as their top choice for the Deputy President position in the 2027 general elections.
In what they dubbed the “Khwisero Declaration,” the MPs argued that Oparanya has over the years showcased that he possesses the necessary requirements to lead the region in a national position like the DP.
The leaders, led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali, among others, have argued that the time has come for the Western region to get out of the shadows and run after the top leadership roles.
“Issues of leaders from the Western region getting to the top through the window must end now. Oparanya is where he is right now courtesy of going through the window; we must now put our act together, our numbers together, and negotiate properly in 2027, MP Aseka said.
“I want to urge the former governor to get out of the shadows and be on the front table so that in 2027 you can be this country’s next Deputy President,” another MP emphasised.
The leaders collectively stressed that Oparanya must be part of crucial national leadership discussions, arguing that the Mulembe community’s significant numbers deserve a central role in decision-making.
The current CS, who landed the cabinet position after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga brokered with President William Ruto, has been on the political scene for years.
His political career started in 2002 when he was elected as the MP for Butere Constituency, dethroning Amukowa Anangwe. He served in the position for 10 years.
Later, the late president Mwai Kibaki appointed him as the Minister for Planning and Vision 2030 in 2008. He held this position up to 2012 when Kibaki’s second term ended.
Then he was appointed as the first governor of Kakamega County during the 2013 general elections. This is one of the important positions Oparanya has held, serving between 2013 and 2022.
In his capacity as governor, he also served as the Council of Governors (COG) of Kenya chairperson. He was named as one of the best-performing governors on multiple occasions.
This united front signals a strategic push to elevate the region’s influence on the national political stage.
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