Governor Oparanya Goes After DP Ruto Pair-up For Presidency

Politicians from across the political divide are secretly angling for 2022 campaigns with several leaders declaring their interest in the presidency.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Governor Oparanya are all positioning themselves to run for the top seat in 2022.

The Kakamega governor on Wednesday revealed having made steps towards having Deputy President William Ruto on his side.

Speaking in Khwisero, Kakamega County the governor stated that the Deputy President had no option but back him for the presidency since it is turning out practically impossible for him to succeed Kenyatta.

"Going by the current mood in the country after the handshake deal between Uhuru and Raila, the political landscape has changed drastically and DP Ruto has no chance of winning in the presidential polls," noted Oparanya.

He urged the DP to shelve his presidential ambition maintaining that it would be a sign of statesmanship given the minimal chances Ruto has in his bid to ascend to the top seat.

Oparanya who had already indicated that he was ready to decamp from the ODM party in the interest of uniting the Luhya community adds more intrigues for the region that is struggling to form a solid voting block.

"I met Ruto and told him of my intentions to run for the presidency after finishing my second term as governor. I didn’t go to ask money from him but I was seeking back-up for my 2022 presidential bid,” he stated.

The Governor had skipped a Luhya unity drive spearheaded by ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula.

The leaders are believed to be pushing for a merger of political parties in the region in a bid to have the populace vote in a rare united approach to probably capture the presidency or front a bargaining package in the next government.