ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya is at a crossroads to salvage his political future with rumours now emerging that he could be seeking to vie for the senator seat in 2027 general election.
The former governor is silently forming a coalition with leaders in all major seats with what is termed as a move to undermine Governor Fernandes Barasa's administration.
In March, Oparanya allegedly influenced a change in leadership at the Kakamega county assembly to replace the current majority leader Philip Maina with Geoffrey Ondiro who is his area MCA.
Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda is being fronted for the gubernatorial ticket and is likely to be deputised by one of the current leaders from either the northern or southern region.
The current formation has Barasa from the southern region, while Muhanda and Senator Boni Khalwale both come from the central region.
“Oparanya was given full support to lead the county for 10 years. Why is it becoming a problem for him to allow the current government to work? He has been holding late-night meetings to disrupt this government beginning from the county assembly,” Barasa reportedly said.
The county boss faulted his predecessor for what he termed as lack of respect.
On his part, the ODM deputy leader said:
“Some of you leaders are hopping from one party to another, today you say you are in ODM, when you go to Rift Valley you say other things. As a party we will not tolerate that."
Barasa has, however, persistently defended his affiliation with President William Ruto, saying national and county governments should work together.
This revelation of Oparanya’s ambition has laid bare underlying trouble between the two leaders despite efforts to reunite them.
“As my predecessor and deputy party leader, I am disappointed because he lacks a stand in his politics. Previously he wanted to be the party leader, President, Cabinet secretary and now he wants to be a lawmaker,” the Kakamega governor said.
However, the new strategy might also spell doom for Khalwale. He declared his candidature during the burial of nominated MCA Godliver Omondi, in the presence of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
This was interpreted as a scheme to battle out for the ODM ticket with Barasa who is the current ODM chairman in Kakamega county.
“After serious consultations I have decided to go for the gubernatorial seat, I am tired, in 2022 I was to replace Oparanya but Mudavadi made me to step down. Mudavadi I want to tell you here in Matungu that this time I am vying against Barasa and nobody will stop me," Khalwale said.
Oparanya’s quest to replace Raila as the ODM leader is likely suppressed by the ongoing supremacy battles between his faction and that of Joho.
His camp comprises MPs Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Caleb Amisi (Saboti) and Justus Kizito (formerly Shinyalu). There is also Muhanda and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
“No one should say that Baba is an automatic candidate for the presidency. Hassan Joho is a deputy party leader of ODM, Oparanya is a deputy party leader of ODM, and they are entitled to vie for the seat of ODM party leader. ODM's presidential candidate position is also on the table,” the former prime minister said.
However, during an investment conference in Kakamega, eyebrows were raised when Raila delegated Wandayi to represent him.
The move signalled more trouble for Oparanya’s political grip in Kakamega county. It has further emerged that out of the 12 MPs in the county, only two swear allegiance to him.
They are Tindi Mwale (Butere) and Muhanda.
Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Peter Salasya (Mumias East), Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu), Johnson Naicca (Mumias West), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu) and Benard Shinali (Ikolomani) are in Barasa’s team.
Joho, who announced that he intends to run for president in 2027, says he will do so under an ODM ticket.
"I have leaders from the Western region that we are engaging. We have to form a team of equals, like-minded leaders who believe in a course who understand where we want to go as a party and as a people to liberate our people. There will be a first among equals but we will engage," he said.
His camp has Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko and a section of ODM leaders from the coastal region.