Oparanya Responds to MPs’ 2027 Running Mate Endorsement

Kakamega, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 20:00 EAT.

Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has downplayed calls by Kakamega Members of Parliament to have him deputise President William Ruto in the 2027 general election, saying he is content with his current role and has no immediate political ambitions.

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Speaking on a local TV station, Oparanya acknowledged the endorsement but clarified that it reflects the MPs’ personal wishes rather than any decision or intention on his part.

“I am comfortable with where I am now, serving as Cabinet Secretary; that might be their wish, and I can’t stop their wish. I am satisfied with what I have; I ended up here where I am because I wasn’t expecting to be where I am at the moment,” he said.

He noted that his primary focus remains on strengthening the cooperatives sector, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, and implementing the government’s economic transformation agenda.

Context in Brief

• Oparanya, a former Kakamega governor and ODM deputy party leader, joined President Ruto’s administration despite his coalition losing the 2022 elections.

• His appointment as CS in 2023 surprised political observers and was seen as part of President Ruto’s “broad-based government” strategy to include opposition figures in key roles.

• The endorsement by Kakamega MPs comes as political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls begin to take shape, with speculation over possible running mates and alliances intensifying.

Political and Policy Dimensions

• Political Significance: The endorsement signals growing interest in Western Kenya’s political influence ahead of 2027.

• Policy Continuity: Oparanya’s role as CS is tied to key economic pillars including cooperative reforms, SME financing, and job creation — all central to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

• Constitutional Framework: The running mate position is constitutionally part of a joint presidential ticket under Article 148 of the Kenyan Constitution.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Oparanya: Emphasised gratitude for his current role and reiterated focus on service delivery rather than political succession politics.

• Kakamega MPs: Have publicly expressed confidence in Oparanya’s leadership and called for his elevation to national executive politics ahead of 2027.

• Political Analysts: Suggest the endorsement reflects early 2027 power calculations but may also be symbolic, testing political waters in Western Kenya.

Evidence & Data Box

Risks & Implications

• Political Realignments: Endorsements like this could fuel speculation about ODM–UDA relations and Western Kenya’s role in 2027.

• Policy Distraction Risk: Focus on 2027 politics may shift attention from ongoing cooperative and MSME reforms if not managed carefully.

• Public Expectations: Early endorsements can raise public expectations of new alliances or candidacies, influencing voter sentiment.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether Oparanya will reconsider his stance closer to the 2027 elections.

• How ODM leadership, especially Raila Odinga, views such endorsements given ongoing party realignments.

• Whether President Ruto himself supports or encourages the idea behind the scenes.

Timeline

• 2022: Kenya Kwanza wins general elections; opposition leaders later integrated into government.

• 2023: Oparanya appointed CS for Cooperatives & MSME Development.

• Sept 22, 2025: Oparanya responds to MPs’ endorsement, says he is content with current role.

What to Watch

• Reactions from ODM leadership and Western Kenya political heavyweights.

• Upcoming political endorsements across key swing regions ahead of 2027.

• Whether Oparanya’s national profile in economic policy influences future political roles.