Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed growing calls from a section of Western Kenya MPs urging him to deputise President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a late-night interview on Monday, September 22, 2025, the former Kakamega governor said he was satisfied with his current position in government and not keen on succession politics.
“I am comfortable at the moment serving as Cabinet Secretary, but I cannot stop their wishes,” Oparanya said, adding that his focus remains on service delivery.
Oparanya, a key Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figure, noted that despite his coalition losing the last election, he was grateful for the opportunity to serve. “So far, I am comfortable and satisfied with what I have. I did not expect to be where I am at the moment. Our coalition lost elections, but we thank God,” he remarked.
The CS downplayed the endorsement push, stressing that 2027 was still far away. “It is their wish, and I’m not excited about it. 2027 is far, and we should focus on serving wananchi,” he stated.
The Khwisero Declaration
The calls come after at least six MPs from the Western region endorsed Oparanya for the Deputy President position during a public event in Khwisero Sub-County. The leaders, while disbursing Uwezo Funds, hailed Oparanya’s strong development track record as former governor and his current role in government.
Led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, the lawmakers termed the endorsement the Khwisero Declaration—a symbolic pledge to rally the region behind Oparanya’s candidacy. Other MPs included Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.
The legislators argued that Western Kenya must unite politically to negotiate for greater inclusion in the next government, with Oparanya as their key representative.
Despite the push, ODM leader Raila Odinga has maintained that the party will field its own candidate in 2027, leaving open questions on whether Oparanya would contest independently, deputise Ruto, or remain in his current role.
