A fresh political contest is taking shape within the broad-based government after a section of ODM leaders from Western Kenya threw their weight behind Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as a potential running mate to President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. The leaders want Oparanya considered for the Deputy President position in the proposed pre-election power-sharing agreement between ODM and Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They argue that his political experience, national profile and influence in Western Kenya make him the most suitable candidate.
The campaign is expected to complicate negotiations between the two parties, particularly as allies of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki intensify efforts to secure his retention as Ruto's running mate in the next election. Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, who chairs the Kakamega MPs Caucus, led the latest push, arguing that ODM must secure the Deputy President position if the party agrees to enter into a formal electoral arrangement with UDA.
Shinali said ODM had assessed its experienced leaders and settled on Oparanya as the most suitable candidate to deputise Ruto. He added that Oparanya had the leadership credentials and political experience required to work with Ruto for the next five years. Oparanya's supporters argue that his political journey gives him an advantage over other potential contenders, having served as an MP for two terms before joining the Cabinet during the Grand Coalition Government and later serving in President Ruto's administration.
Oparanya also served two terms as Kakamega Governor, giving him considerable experience in both national and county governments. His supporters further point to his longstanding association with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga and his influence within the party, arguing that he can help negotiate a favourable deal for ODM without undermining its political identity.
Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda also backed the broad-based arrangement, saying residents were increasingly appreciating development projects undertaken by the Ruto administration. Muhanda said the region had benefited from government interventions, particularly in agriculture, and maintained that ODM supporters in Western Kenya were comfortable remaining within the broad-based government arrangement.
Oparanya confirmed that discussions were underway to bring UDA and ODM together through a political agreement ahead of the 2027 elections. He, however, cautioned that the final positions would be determined through negotiations involving representatives from both parties. The two parties are preparing to establish a 10-member political committee, with each party nominating five representatives to negotiate the proposed arrangement.
The latest endorsement signals an emerging battle within ODM over who should represent the party in the anticipated government-sharing arrangement, with Western Kenya leaders increasingly positioning Oparanya as their preferred candidate. Key to this development is whether ODM's push for the Deputy President position will be realised and how this will impact the party's relationship with UDA and its influence within the government.
Key points
- Western Kenya leaders are rallying behind Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya as a potential running mate to President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
- The move is expected to complicate negotiations between ODM and UDA, particularly regarding the Deputy President position.
- Oparanya's supporters argue that his experience and influence make him the most suitable candidate for the position.
