Africa-Press – Kenya. Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya declared that he is ready to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for the sake of uniting the Western region.
Oparanya, while speaking during the funeral service of Cyrus Jirongo on Tuesday, December 30, said that if his exit from the ODM party would make the Luhya community unite, then he was ready to make that sacrifice.
His remarks followed unity calls in the region, calls that took centre stage of the funeral, as several leaders called for the unity of the leaders from the area. The leaders alleged that if the community unites, their unity would shock the country as they would have a serious political base, ensuring that the community forms the next government.
“I want to say in front of you. If the problem is having different parties, I am ready to leave ODM even now. Let us come together because I know that we are a sleeping giant in this country,” Oparanya stated.
He revealed that Jirongo tried to unite the leaders from the region, following his constant calls for unity. Oparanya noted that he told Jirongo that he was ready to boycott ODM just for the sake of unity, emphasising that he is ready even now.
Since his appointment to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, Oparanya has lost favour among sections of ODM leaders. One of the more sensational attacks came in September 2025, when Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa urged Ruto to sack Oparanya if he continued engaging in party politics as a CS.
During the funeral, Western Kenya leaders called for the political unity of the region, a call that was emphasised by other leaders, including former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Gideon Moi, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Gideon Moi warned that the region’s unity would shake the country, noting that it would help the country shape future political formations, a claim that Uhuru Kenyatta supported.
“We have lost a leader who loved unity and peace of his community and the country at large, and I am supporting those saying that western leaders should unite. Sit down and discuss amongst yourselves so that you define the direction of our country,” Uhuru stated.
“Unity starts with respect. If you really want to unite, then start by respecting each other’s opinions. You should remain united,” added Abdulswamad Nassir, urging the leaders to accept divergent opinions.
Jirongo, who lost his life in a road incident, was laid to rest on December 30, though questions into the circumstances leading to his passing continue to bite.
During the funeral, Jirongo was praised as a community asset, a great political giant, a unifying family man, and a bold leader who dared to challenge the status quo.
He was also remembered for his generosity and willingness to support others with his resources.
Leaders from the Region praised him for his continued strong call for political unity, emphasising that speaking with one voice strengthened their bargaining power for development and future national leadership.
Figures like Speaker Wetangula, PCS Musalia Mudavadi, and Governor George Natembeya have all, in the recent past, called for cohesion for the 2027 elections and beyond to secure resources and representation for the region.
