Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has vowed to remain in Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) even as key politicians from western region decamp from the country’s main opposition party.
Addressing residents at Lumakanda Township grounds in Lugari Sub County during the climax of his two day development tour, the Kakamega county governor, who is also ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, regretted the recent resignations of Ababu Namwamba and Paul Otuoma who were until then the party’s Secretary General and National Vice Chair
respectively.
“Just like other Kenyans, both Namwamba and Otuoma have constitutional rights to freely align themselves to parties of their choice,” remarked Oparanya, adding the party had not fallen short of individuals to take up the two positions.
He, however, appealed to the two to reconsider their resignations for the good and unity of the orange house.
Oparanya reaffirmed his loyalty to ODM, which is an affiliate party of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).
“I want to categorically confirm to residents of Kakamega County I will be seeking to retain the governor’s seat through ODM in 2017,” stated Oparanya.
Though both Namwamba and Otuoma have promised to remain in ODM as ordinary members, some political pundits, however, believe the two are headed for a different formation, most likely Professor Julia Ojiambo’s Labour Party of Kenya (LPK).
With unconfirmed reports indicating that there is a possibility of the populous Luhya community fronting a single presidential candidate in the next general elections, Oparanya used the occasion to caution leaders in the region against regrouping into tribal outfits.
“The Luhya community will not have anyone to ascend to the presidency position by isolating itself from other communities,” noted the governor.
The Governor further warned politicians in the region against converting funeral occasions into political rallies.
In a veiled attack against Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, the governor accused him of using funeral ceremonies to discredit the county administration.
“I want to advice those eyeing my seat and other elective posts against converting funeral occasions into platforms for political campaigns,” cautioned Oparanya.
Khalwale who declared his interested in the county’s gubernatorial seat has hit the ground running in bid to popularize his candidature ahead of the forthcoming elections.