Oparanya Addresses Claims of Defecting to Ruto's Camp

Deputy President William Ruto with Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya at the DP's residence in Karen, Nairobi
President William Ruto with former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
DPPS
DPPS

Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya has addressed claims circulating on social media that he is planning to ditch the Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) party led by Raila Odinga.

In a post on his social media on Friday, February 11, governor Oparanya refuted the allegations and urged his supporters to remain calm amid speculation that he was joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Governor Oparanya stated that the allegations were malicious and were being propagated by his political enemies who are uncomfortable with the new Azimio La Umoja wave that is sweeping across the country.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya addressing the media on April 11, 2020.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya addressing the media on April 11, 2020.
Citizen Digital

He further reiterated his support for the ODM leader and Azimio La Umoja presidential hopeful Raila Odinga. The Kakamega County boss added that he fully endorses Raila's presidential ambitions.

"I  urge Azimio supporters to ignore propaganda being spread my detractors who are uncomfortable with Azimio wave sweeping the country and my firm stands behind Baba's bid for the presidency," the governor stated.

His sentiments were echoed by the ODM Party, which dismissed reports of Oparanya decamping to the Kenya Kwanza side. 

ODM noted that although Oparanya has been absent from the campaign rallies led by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, he has been holding meetings with other Azimio La Umoja leaders.

The Party stated that Oparamya was not leaving the Azimio movement as it was being speculated by their political rivals.

" Deputy Party Leader Governor Oparanya is a member of the Raila Campaign Board chaired by Governor of Laikipia County  HE Nderitu Mureithi. 

"The board has been meeting the whole of this afternoon & Governor Oparanya was in attendance. Ignore rumours being spread by busybodies who have run out of ideas," the statement by ODM read in part.

The response from ODM and governor Oparanya come amid allegations that the Kakamega governor was planning to leave Azimio La Umoja and join DP Ruto's camp.

ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) disembarks from a plane at JKIA
ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) disembarks from a plane at JKIA
Courtesy

Joho had led leaders allied to Azimio La Umoja in campaigning for Odinga who is out of the country in the Western region on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

Raila left the country last week to attend the 35th Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 5 to 6 before leaving for India.