Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has asked Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to pave way for the 2022 Presidential election by backing him to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking at Nambilima market, Kakamega, Oparanya noted that his intentions to run for the presidency were no longer a secret.
"Mimi tayari nimeanza safari na sitaki iwe siri. Naenda kutafuta kura ya urais huko Nairobi. (I have already embarked on the journey and it should not be a secret anymore. I am going to run for the presidency,)" he stated.
[caption caption="Governor Oparanya"]
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Governor Oparanya who is also a deputy Party Leader of ODM reminded Raila that he had remained a loyal supporter and it would only be fair for him to reciprocate by supporting his bid.
"Tayari nimeongea na Raila Amolo Odinga, nikamwambia ndugu yangu nimekua karibu na wewe hii miaka yote ukitafuta urais. (I have already talked to Raila and reminded him of my unwavering support over the years,)" Oparanya elaborated to his jubilant audience.
The governor indicated that his was an ambition to take Kenya to higher leadership levels in Africa and the world.
Calling on the Party Leader to throw his weight behind him in the bid for the presidency, Oparanya reiterated that his performance record as Member of Parliament, Minister for National Planning and Governor was enough proof of his capacity to lead.
On what he termed as the "decision of defining Kenya's destiny," Oparanya concluded: "Kwa sababu nimekua na wewe na mimi naomba hiyo kura ya Wajaluo nayo ulete kwa Oparanya. (Since I have been your ardent supporter, he should rally the Luo votes behind me.)"
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke ODM's Secretary General Edwin Sifuna opined that it was Oparanya's right run for the presidency if he so wishes.
"Any Kenyan is free to seek any office and the support of any individual or community. It is his right," Sifuna stated.
