Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya slammed Azimio election losers who dumped Raila Odinga to join President-elect William Ruto.
Speaking on Sunday, September 11, Oparanya said it is unfortunate that Ruto is raiding Azimio by enticing its leaders.
"Quite a number of members of Azimio going to Kenya Kwanza is very unfortunate and if they are being enticed to move, then it is an election fraud because you cannot be talking about Azimio just a week ago then move to Kenya Kwanza thereafter because maybe you'll want favours," said Oparanya.
The former Kakamega Governor noted that Kenya is a multi-party state and it should not go back to a one party system.
“Kenya is a multi-party and we must respect that, we don't want to return to one party state like in KANU days. We must have a strong opposition that will oversight the ruling party and their promises,” Oparanya Stated
He further noted that Azimio has accepted the outcome of the General Election and they are ready to play the opposition role effectively to put checks and balances on Kenya Kwanza government.
According to the ODM Deputy party leader, the office of opposition should be properly recognised and funded as one way to ensure the Country has a strong opposition that checks the government of the day.
Oparanya's statement came barely days after former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, former women representative Janet Ong'era, and former Transport Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Chris Obure and a host of leaders from Gusii region who lost in the concluded election ditched Raila and joined Wiliam Ruto.
Oparanya, close ally of Odinga, called on leaders in Azimio to be strong to play their opposition role.
“Azimio leaders joining Kenya Kwanza should stop as the move is a plot to weaken the Opposition,”
He further stated that he will stick to the opposition so that they can check on the promises made by the Kenya Kwanza government and ensure that the government delivers.
“They made promises and we are looking forward to making sure that they deliver. But as for me I will stick in the opposition, I have been given a chance to be in opposition," Oparanya stated
Meanwhile Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has claimed that he was forced to support Azimio Coalition or face prosecution charges.
Oparanya revealed that an Azimio meeting is the offing to strategize on the way forward particularly on the execution of the functions of the opposition.
