Western not ready to produce president, says Governor Wycliffe Oparanya

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has maintained that Western Kenya is not ready to field a presidential candidate in this year's General Election.

The governor, who is also the Orange party deputy leader, said voter apathy and lack of numerical strength has always worked to the disadvantage of the community and the region.

Speaking at Buchenya grounds in Butere on Saturday, Mr Oparanya said the paltry 1.4 million Luhya votes were negligible.

"President Uhuru Kenyatta garnered more than eight million votes to win the 2013 polls and it is misleading for one to think that our insignificant votes could guarantee a person from Western a chance for the presidency," he said.

He told residents to rally behind the Opposition alliance that would be agreed on by all leaders, be it the National Super Alliance (Nasa) or CORD.

"There are clear indications that the Opposition will triumph in 2017; we should not gamble again," said the governor.

Nasa is the brainchild of Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi whose recent controversial installation as the Luhya spokesman continues to generate heat among his critics.

Oparanya also assured ODM aspirants of free and fair nominations.