Members of Parliament from the Western region have come together to endorse Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred candidate for the Deputy President position in the 2027 general elections. This endorsement, known as the “Khwisero Declaration,” reflects a collective effort by the region’s leaders to assert their political influence at the national level.
The MPs emphasized that Oparanya has demonstrated the leadership skills and experience necessary to take on a significant national role. Led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali, the legislators stressed the need for Western leaders to pursue top leadership roles directly rather than settling for secondary positions through political alliances.
According to the MPs, the Western region has historically played a crucial role in Kenya’s political landscape, yet it has not had direct representation in top leadership positions. They argued that Oparanya’s rise to national prominence should now be reinforced with a strategic push for the Deputy Presidency.
“Oparanya is where he is right now because he took an indirect route to power. We must change this and stand firm to negotiate for our rightful place in the 2027 elections,” Aseka noted.
Another MP underscored the importance of Oparanya taking a front-line role in political negotiations. “I want to urge the former governor to step forward and be at the decision-making table so that in 2027, he can be this country’s next Deputy President,” he stated.
The leaders stressed that the Mulembe community, which boasts a significant voting bloc, should not be sidelined in crucial national discussions. They believe that Oparanya, given his political experience and leadership record, is the ideal candidate to champion their interests on a national scale.
Oparanya has had a long and distinguished political career. His journey began in 2002 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Butere Constituency, unseating the incumbent at the time. His competence and dedication led to his appointment as the Minister for Planning and Vision 2030 in 2008, a role he held until 2012 under the late President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
In 2013, Oparanya transitioned to county leadership, becoming the first Governor of Kakamega County. His tenure as governor, which spanned two terms until 2022, saw significant infrastructural and economic development in the region. His leadership skills were further recognized when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG), a position that earned him nationwide acclaim. Throughout his time in office, Oparanya was repeatedly ranked among the best-performing governors.
Following his tenure as governor, Oparanya was appointed as the Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary. This appointment was part of a broader political agreement between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. In his current role, he has continued to implement policies that enhance cooperative movements and economic growth at the grassroots level.
The endorsement of Oparanya for the Deputy President position marks a strategic shift in Western Kenya’s political approach. For years, the region has supported various presidential candidates, often negotiating for cabinet positions and other key government roles. However, the MPs now believe that it is time to assert their political strength by fielding a candidate for a top executive position.
The leaders called on the people of Western Kenya to unite behind Oparanya, arguing that their numerical strength should translate into greater political influence. They also urged other leaders from the region to rally behind this cause and ensure that their interests are well-represented in the 2027 elections.
If Oparanya secures a Deputy President position, it would be a historic milestone for the Western region, which has long sought greater representation at the highest levels of government. His extensive experience in both legislative and executive roles makes him a strong contender for the position.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the push for Oparanya’s candidacy is expected to gain momentum. With a united backing from regional leaders and voters, the Western region hopes to make a significant impact in shaping the country’s leadership and governance.
