Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has refuted reports that he has left the ODM party.
The leader, who spoke during an interview with TV47 on Wednesday, denied saying he had ditched the Orange party.
"I have never said I am no longer in ODM. I am in ODM to stay. Raila is my party leader and we have been best friends all along. I have no problem with him at all," he said.
He affirmed that he is still the chairman of the National Coalition executive council of Azimio and the deputy party leader of ODM.
Oparanya accused his critics of propagating what he called misleading reports on his political stand.
"Those propagating the rumours said that I had talked during the funeral of the late nominated MCA Phaustine Werimo. As you know very well, Werimo has not been buried. There are court cases here and there and the funeral was not there," he said.
In the reports, Oparanya allegedly said he had cut ties with the Azimio leader.
"I am offering myself from now to lead the unity drive of our people. I am done with Raila and even if he bad-mouths me, God forbid, he knows, he will not be forgiven."
The leader is said to have attributed his "leaving" to unfairness in the coalition, complaining that the Luhya community was left out despite their support.
On Wednesday, Oparanya said in 2027, he will present himself as a presidential aspirant.
He said he will do it under ODM, adding that he does not have any plan for coming up with a new party.
