Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya says he will quit the Orange Democratic Movement if it helps bring Western Kenya together. He believes this step will boost the region’s political power and give the Luhya people a stronger voice.
At the funeral of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Oparanya explained his offer to leave ODM comes from a desire for regional unity, not personal benefit. He remembered how Jirongo always pushed for Luhya leaders to stick together and get better representation.
Oparanya shared a story. Jirongo often talked to him about Luhya issues. One day, Oparanya asked if he was the problem because he was in ODM. He said if so, he was ready to step down as deputy party leader and leave. That way, they could form one party for all their people to join.
Right now, a few Luhya people lead different parties. Oparanya noted Jirongo himself was one of those leaders.
He added that old fights and rivalries should not stop unity. Luhya leaders must put the community first, ahead of their own goals.
Oparanya spoke clearly. If he is the issue, he will leave ODM. Leaders should unite. Together, the Luhya community is a sleeping giant in Kenya.
His words come as talks grow about splits in the region’s politics. Oparanya pointed out leaders like Eugene Wamalwa and others have split the vote. He asked them to drop differences and join for the people’s good.
The CS praised Jirongo for spending his life on Western Kenya unity. Jirongo kept urging leaders to team up and build one political force for the Luhya.
Tensions grow
Oparanya’s comments also highlight strains inside ODM, mainly with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. Earlier this year, Oparanya claimed Barasa sent his files to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to hurt his name.
As former Kakamega governor, Oparanya defended his time in office. He said he followed the law and worked on local growth.
Barasa hit back earlier this year. He said Oparanya, after ten years as governor, struggles in his national job. Barasa noted Oparanya wanted Treasury but got Co-operatives and MSMEs instead. That role should unite Kakamega and Western Kenya leaders.
Barasa accused Oparanya of using MPs for his own aims. He called on President William Ruto and ODM boss Raila Odinga to step in.
Barasa said Oparanya got respect with his ministry to unite Kakamega people. Now he uses MPs to disrupt ODM. Barasa told the president to call his CS to order.
He warned Oparanya to stop shaming himself and the party by chasing personal goals through MPs.
