That he is part of Deputy President William Ruto’s Kitchen Cabinet are allegations he has neither confirmed nor denied- but Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya is not taking chances in his State house bid.
It is understood the DP has a lot of respect for members of his kitchen cabinet who are reportedly playing a key role in guiding his political journey.
The latest entrants to the inner circle are Council of Governors chairman and ODM Deputy Leader Oparanya, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and and former Cabinet minister and long-serving Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey.
Oparanya has now claimed that he has asked Raila not to run in 2022 and support him because the ODM leader has failed four times to capture the top seat.
“I have talked to President Uhuru Kenyatta and asked for his support but he asked me talk to Raila. I am taking to him and even Deputy President William Ruto because I am not closing the door on anyone,” he said.
Oparanya spoke when he condoled with a bereaved the family in Butere sub-county, on Monday. He is banking on his development record, particularly flagship projects like the Sh10 billion Kakamega County Referral Hospital and upgrading of Bukhungu stadium, to anchor his presidential bid.
Oparanya said his star is shining and his quest for the top seat unstoppable.
“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 said.