Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has abandoned his quest to contest for the presidency in the 2022 General Election in favour of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Oparanya, who declared interest in the seat shortly after retaining the Kakamega governorship in 2017 elections, surprised supporters when announced he would settle for a lesser position.
“I’m now leaving politics of the county to others after my term. I want to focus on national politics and urge you (Raila) to get any seat up there for me,” Oparanya told a meeting he hosted for Raila and ODM Ward Representatives at his Mabole rural home in Butere.
He assured Raila of his unwavering support for the Building Bridges Initiative report, sounding readiness to campaign for its passage in a referendum.
That announcement gives the most potent hint that Oparanya is eyeing a powerful position in the next government.
The governor has spent the last three years since re-election popularizing his candidature. Butere MP Tindi Mwale has promised not to çhallenge Oparanya should he decide to run for a parliamentary seat.
Oparanya is likely eyeing one of the deputy premier posts should the BBI report be passed.
As a prelude, he has reportedly advised his allies in Butere, in particular, Lawrence Omuhaka, who is an aspiring MP to go slow on his campaigns as he may opt to run for the same seat to qualify for a higher post.
