The Kenyan Political landscape keep changing day in day out. With this in mind, Kenyans should therefore brace themselves for a raft of changes and alignments in the political scene heading into 2022.
The latest entrant into the 2022 Presidential race, Wycliffe Oparanya has surely changed the landscape of Western Kenya Politics.
Oparanya’s Presidential bid is likely to take a toll on ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula, all who are expected to take a shot at the Presidency.
Oparanya is however building momentum and has refused to be distracted from various quarters.
The Kakamega Governor is already becoming a darling to many members of Parliament who have promised to push and support his bid.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe of Jubilee Party said Oparanya is “ripe and competent to be President”.
“We shall give Oparanya maximum support in 2022. He is fit and has the necessary experience and track record,” he said.
Wangwe said the second-term governor should now focus on building alliances outside his Western Kenya backyard to enhance his political bargaining power.
“What Oparanya should do is sit at the negotiating table. Bring together other leaders from the region as well … If Oparanya does not make it to State House, he should lead Western Kenya into the next government.”
Nominated MP Geoffrey Osotsi also vouched for Oparanya, describing him as a firm and focussed politician who cannot be easily swayed.
“Western Kenya needs a consistent leader with a good track record. It needs a kingpin who can deliver. That leader is none other than Oparanya,” the outspoken lawmaker said yesterday.
Capturing the vast changing political landscape in the Mulembe nation, Osotsi (an ANC legislator) said Oparanya is emerging as a serious kingpin for the region.
“Most politicians from the region and across the political divide are comfortable with Oparanya,” he said. “One thing I must say is that Oparanya is not about to ditch ODM. He is still a firm and loyal supporter of Raila. Those claiming Oparanya has headed for Ruto have panicked and we will expose them.”
Those opposed to Oparanya’s bid say he cannot win. Notable among them is former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who dismissed the bid as a non-starter.
“There is a difference between having the capacity to run for the presidency and actually having the capacity to win the presidency. Oparanya, like many other presidential contenders from the region, may have the capacity to run for the presidency, but I don’t think he has the capacity to win the presidency,” he said.
There has been no love lost between Oparanya and Khalwale. The two competed in the governor race in the last election, Oparanya emerging the victor.
Khalwale has since been flirting with Ruto. He said the community must design a different game plan to form the next government.
“That’s why some of us have decided to lead the community into a formula that will form the next government,” he said, drumming up support for the Deputy President.