Former Kakamega Governor and Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, has clarified remarks circulating widely on social media suggesting he is ready to quit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during the burial of the late former MP Cyrus Jirongo, Oparanya said he would be willing to leave ODM if his departure would help unite leaders and voters from Western Kenya. He stressed that his statement was not an announcement of resignation but a call for political unity in a region he described as a “sleeping giant”.
Oparanya, who served as Kakamega governor between 2013 and 2022 and previously held the position of ODM deputy party leader, said personal political positions should not stand in the way of collective regional interests. “If I am the problem, I am ready to step aside so that our people can speak with one voice,” he said.
The remarks have sparked debate online, with some posts inaccurately referring to him as a sitting governor and current ODM deputy leader. However, Oparanya no longer holds either position, having joined the Cabinet after the 2022 General Election and with ODM restructuring its leadership.
Political analysts say his comments reflect growing discussions around unity and influence in Western Kenya rather than an imminent party exit. ODM has not issued an official response, and Oparanya has not indicated plans to formally resign from the party.
For now, his statement remains a symbolic gesture aimed at fostering cohesion, even as it fuels fresh debate about party loyalty and regional politics.
