Corporatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary nominee Wycliffe Oparanya on Saturday broke his silence after his nomination clarifying claims that he had left the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Oparanya while speaking to the press emphasised that he, alongside other ODM members who were nominated had not switched parties and would serve the government in their respective capacities if approved by Parliament.
He emphasised that the move to nominate ODM members was part of President William Ruto's plan for national unity which sought to bring opposition politicians on board.
"It does not mean that we have abandoned our party ODM. We are still ODM members but serving the government in our respective capacity," he added.
He further emphasised that Kenya was a democratic nation and anyone qualified and fit could serve in any position regardless of their political affiliations.
The former Kakamega Governor however declined to disclose further details on the position as he was yet to be vetted by Parliament.
Notably, the politician was among four other ODM members who have been nominated to make up Ruto's new cabinet. This was announced last week resulting in mixed reactions from Kenyans and a section of ODM members.
"We shouldn't sit down with people who only think of how they will benefit themselves," Siaya Governor James Orengo stated on Friday.
"I have my stand as Orengo, even if you abuse me I stand by what I say which is the truth which will stay forever. I stand with the Gen Zs. If you don't follow the right path you'll just be like KANU where the country became a one-party State. We have to be careful," he warned his party members.
Meanwhile, other ODM members nominated to the cabinet include; former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho. Joho was nominated as CS for Mining and Blue Economy.
Suba MP and ODM Chairman John Mbadi was also among the nominees, fronted to serve as the next CS for the National Treasury.
Additionally, Ugunja MP and the Leader of the Minority Party in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi was also nominated to replace Davis Chirchir as the CS for Energy and Petroleum.
All nominees are set to be vetted before Parliament on different dates from August 1 as announced by the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula. Here is the vetting schedule.
