Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has asked ODM leader Raila Odinga to support his 2022 presidential bid.
Oparanya said he has remained loyal to Raila since he joined politics and that it was time for the former Prime Minister to return the favour by supporting him.
"I have been supporting my party leader for over two decades now and I'm ready and ripe to take over from him and complete his journey," Oparanya said.
He spoke at Mukoye Catholic Church in Butere subcounty during the burial service for Dr John Wamakonjio on Saturday. Wamakonjio was Oparanya's adviser on education matters.
Deputy Governor Prof Philip Kutima, Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda attended the service.
Oparanya has expressed interest in running for president in 2022. He has already submitted his nomination papers to the ODM seeking to fly the party's presidential flag in next year's general election.
Only Oparanya and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho have submitted their nomination papers, the party said last month.
The two are both deputy party leaders. They paid Sh1 million each for the nomination request.
Raila did not submit his papers.
Oparanya said he will continue meeting and consulting other political leaders regardless of their party affiliations to explore alliances that can help him win the presidency.
The two-term governor has been in the limelight after he held secret talks with Deputy President William Ruto in Narok two weeks ago. He has also met Wiper leader Kalonzo Mosyoka.
Oparanya is banking on Raila's support and his development record to propel him to the country's top seat.
"As leaders, we should not sow seeds of hatred among our supporters. We should compete on ideologies and when defeated accept the defeat and support the winner," he said.
Kutima asked Oparanya to continue holding talks with other national leaders.
"The governor is ripe for the top leadership of this country. We are behind him and we encourage him to seek support from other leaders across the country," Kutima said.
Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa, an ally of DP Ruto, said he will campaign for Oparanya should the governor run.
Edited by P.O
