MP demands bigger role for Oparanya in ODM for Luhya support

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala addressing journalists at his Shibuli residence on Sunday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya should be given a central role in the ODM party to show respect and appreciation of the support of the Luhya community.

That is according to Lurambi MP Titus Khamala who says Oparanya was a close ally of former ODM leader Raila Odinga and therefore understands the party well. He could could serve as a unifying figure capable of holding the party together.

ODM is faced with wrangles that have seen two parallel factions emerge. One is led by party leader Oburu Oginga and another by embattled secretary general Edwin Sifuna.

Kakamega and the larger Luhya community will have no serious representation in the party leadership if Sifuna is expelled. The party has already removed Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi from his position as deputy party leader.

Leaders from Kakamega led by Khamala believes the region deserves to have one of its own in the party's top leadership positions.

“This is our irreducible minimum as the people of Kakamega because we have the numbers. If ODM cannot listen to us, we are thinking,” Khamala said.

The lawmaker said Raila and Oparanya were so close to an extent that the former Prime Minister had a special bedroom reserved for him at Oparanya’s Emabole home, describing it as evidence of their close personal and political relationship.

Given Oparanya currently holds the position of CS, it is not clear what position he should be given in the party as Cabinet members are constitutionally barred from holding political party positions.

Khamala warned that failure to accommodate dissenting voices in ODM will weaken the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general election and inadvertently strengthen President William Ruto’s political position.

He claimed that divisions within ODM risk leaving Oburu with a weakened structure as Sifuna Osotsi gain influence outside the party.

Khamala said ODM risks losing political momentum if it fails to manage internal disagreements, saying rival factions could be courted by other political forces.

He maintained that Western Kenya leaders have no issue with ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Oburu but want stronger representation at the top to reflect the party’s national stature.

He proposed that leadership positions such as party leader and chairperson be shared between Nyanza and Western regions.

At the same time, Khamala urged the Linda Wananchi faction led by Sifuna to embrace dialogue, saying they should emulate Raila's approach of engaging opponents even in times of political tension.

“Raila would fight with those in government but was ready to engage his fiercest opponents when necessary. Politics is not enmity,” he said.

He added that political negotiation remains key, noting that Sifuna has gained influence following his strained relationship with ODM leaders.

“He should use the power of negotiation wisely, but not drive Luhyas to Mt Kenya. That is not acceptable,” he said.

Khamala also accused political actors of sidelining Western Kenya in national negotiations, saying the region is often “used and dumped” after delivering political support.

He claimed that several development projects in Kakamega county have stalled, with contractors abandoning sites.

“These are the deliverables. We should be showing our people ongoing projects when asking them for political support. I agree with Oparanya that it becomes difficult to campaign when there is nothing to show,” he said.