Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya has urged Siaya Senator James Orengo to drop his governorship bid and stick with the party leader, Raila Odinga.
In an interview on Tuesday, September 21, Oparanya explained that he was not against Orengo’s bid to be governor, but only wants Raila to get all the support he needs for the 2022 presidential bid.
The Kakamega Governor added that Orengo has been one of the most fundamental assets in ODM, and going to the grassroots would amount to abandoning Raila, at a time when he needs him the most.
“Orengo needs to be closer to the party, closer to Baba, he should be closer to us as we go up there to the national level,” he noted.
The Governor noted that the former Prime Minister needs advice on the many steps he has to take, and the Siaya Senator should be at the forefront in helping him make the most crucial decisions.
Oparanya however clarified that Orengo's running would be a personal choice and that the decision has to be made by the people of Siaya, and not him.
“If he decides to go for Governorship that is alright, I have no problem. It is the Siaya people who will make that decision,” the deputy ODM party boss remarked.
His sentiments have come after he was attacked on social media, with claims that he was against Orengo’s endeavour to run for the gubernatorial seat of Siaya.
Orengo, who is also the Senator Minority Leader, has made it clear that he is interested in becoming governor and that he would be on the ballot in 2022.
Oparanya mentioned that his comments on Orengo have in the past been misunderstood.
“Some of those people who are trying to misinterpret what I said, they are trying to do it out of context,” he noted.
He noted that he only shared his opinion that Orengo works better at the National level than at the county level.
