Monday, January 15, 2024 – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s second in command, Wycliffe Oparanya, has done the unthinkable.
This is after he
teamed up with President William Ruto’s point man in Kakamega to bring down
Raila’s strongman in the county.
Oparanya and Senator
Boni Khalwale buried their political hatchet and announced the latter's
gubernatorial ambitions at a joint press conference.
Speaking to the press
on Sunday, the UDA Senator announced that he was gearing up for the
gubernatorial race in 2027 and sought the former governor's blessings.
The collaboration,
which was endorsed by Oparanya, brings an end to the political rivalry between
the two leaders that had flared for more than a decade.
Khalwale further
revealed that President William Ruto, the leader of his party, had endorsed his
plans.
"The reason why we came here is because 2 months ago, I visited the President of Kenya and announced to him that in 2027 I will be running for Governor of Kakamega.
"Today
was the day to inform the County Government that I will be running for
Governor," he told the media.
"I deliberately chose (former) Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya for this very important communication to this county because he was our first Governor.
"I have met the
former Governor of Kakamega without prejudice to anybody be it one who is
currently in office or one who hopes to vie for Governor."
Oparanya, on the other
hand, praised the Senator for keeping his administration in check for the 10
years that he (Oparanya) was at the helm.
"He put me on toes to deliver and because he put me on toes, I think I was able to deliver and that is what a Senator is supposed to do.
"In politics, there are no
permanent enemies or permanent friends. What is important is interest," he
stated.
"We have decided to bury any differences that people thought we had so that we work together for the benefit of the people of Kakamega.
"I have told him to consult with his
coalition and the President and I will also do the same to make sure that we
are together come 2027."
The Kenyan DAILY POST
0 Comments