By Swaleh
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed calls by a section of Western Kenya MPs urging him to run as Deputy President alongside President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview with TV47, Oparanya said he was satisfied with his current role in government and not preoccupied with political ambitions ahead of the next polls.
“I’m comfortable at the moment serving as Cabinet Secretary, but I can’t stop their wishes,” he remarked.
Oparanya, who previously served as Kakamega Governor, acknowledged that his coalition lost the last elections but expressed gratitude for his present appointment.
“So far, I am comfortable and satisfied with what I have. I did not expect to be where I am at the moment. Our coalition lost elections, but we thank God,” he added.
While noting that leaders from Western Kenya had a right to push for regional representation, the CS insisted he was more focused on service delivery than political succession.
“It is their wish, and I’m not excited about it. 2027 is far, and we should focus on serving wananchi,” he stressed.
His remarks came after at least six MPs from the region endorsed him for the Deputy President slot, making what they termed the “Khwisero Declaration” during the disbursement of Uwezo Funds in Khwisero Sub-County.
Led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, the lawmakers described Oparanya as a proven leader with a strong development track record both as Governor of Kakamega and in his current Cabinet role.
Other MPs who backed him included Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda. They argued that Western Kenya must unite politically to strengthen its bargaining power in the next government.
