Oparanya hits out at politicians trooping to county

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (pictured) has told politicians from outside the county to "seek clearance" before conducting political meetings in the region.

Without referring to a specific politician, Mr Oparanya took a swipe at outsiders he claimed had made it a habit to invade the county at will in order to sell their political agenda.

Succession politics

“We cannot wish away 2022 succession politics, but that does not justify individuals to sneak in and out at will. They must be prepared for structured engagement with us or forget their forays in this county,” Oparanya said during the homecoming of County Assembly Deputy Speaker Leonard Kasaya at Shirugu/Mugai ward.

He said politicians cannot be allowed to continue making inroads in the county when Kakamega has been left out of Government appointments.

“With a population of over two million people, Kakamega is not represented in the Cabinet, neither does the county have a single principal secretary in the Jubilee government yet some people are busy traversing the county in order to woo locals,” he said.

Oparanya challenged local politicians to embrace unity of purpose and deliver development to the locals.

“We are being taken for a ride and despised by others because we are not united. Let us walk together and chart a common political path,” he said.

Presidential bid

Oparanya, who doubles as ODM deputy party leader, said he will prevail upon his party leader Raila Odinga to back his presidential bid in 2022.

“You already know where I belong. I am with Baba. However, we are talking and I will convince him to give me his blessings because I have matured politically and need to take the next step,” he said.

He promised to go back to the people if he runs into political headwind.