Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has confirmed that he is in talks with former premier Raila Odinga and his political nemesis Deputy President William Ruto for their hand in his 2022 presidential bid.
Confirming to Kenyans.co.ke, the governor revealed that he was inspired to make the move knowing that the two were on extreme ends and that him bringing them together would be the best shot of further fostering peace in the country.
"The most important thing is for them to agree to support me because you know they are in the extreme ends. Any of them would divide this country. So it is important they have a compromise in a candidate so they can be one," he stated.
He further refuted reports from other media outlets that he had met President Uhuru Kenyatta over the matter who then advised him to reach out to Raila and Ruto.
"No, no, no, it was not the president. That is wrong, it is my personal initiative," he clarified.
He also disclosed that he had already met the two leaders in person and that they were aware of his motive and intentions to run for the presidency in the upcoming General Election.
When asked whether he would offer them a post in his government if they supported him, he answered that it was too early to speak on that and that talks between the trio were still in preliminary stages.
A report by The Star revealed that the governor was banking on his development and leadership records to cling the top seat.
“I have been elected to chair the Lake Region Economic Bloc. President Uhuru made me co-chair of the sugar task force and lately I was elected CoG chairman. This means my track record is clear and nothing will stop me becoming the fifth president of Kenya,” he stated.
He has also reportedly met the region's politicians with an interest in the presidential bid, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula, in order to choose one flag-bearer.
