Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has made a bold political statement, declaring that he is ready to quit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if doing so would help unite Western Kenya and consolidate the political strength of the Luhya community.
Speaking during the funeral service of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Oparanya said regional unity must take precedence over individual party loyalty. He emphasized that his willingness to leave ODM is not motivated by personal gain, but by the desire to build a stronger and more unified political voice for Western Kenya.
The former Kakamega governor recalled Jirongo’s long-standing call for cohesion among Luhya leaders, noting that the late politician consistently urged the community to come together in order to enhance its bargaining power at the national level.
“Na kila wakati, akikutana na mimi, mambo ya Waluhya,” Oparanya said, recounting his conversations with Jirongo. He explained that Jirongo often questioned whether divisions within the community were being fueled by party affiliations.
Oparanya went on to reveal that he once openly reflected on whether his position in ODM was viewed as an obstacle to Luhya unity. He said he made it clear that he was prepared to step aside from the party, even at a time when he served as ODM deputy party leader, if that sacrifice would bring the community together.
“Nikasema, kama mimi ni shida, niko tayari kutoka kwa chama cha ODM… Tuje pamoja, tuunde chama kimoja ambacho watu wetu wote wataingia hapa,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary argued that fragmented politics have historically weakened Western Kenya’s influence in national decision-making. According to him, unity would enable the region to negotiate more effectively for development, leadership positions, and policy priorities that benefit its people.
Oparanya’s remarks come amid renewed discussions about regional realignments and coalition-building ahead of the 2027 General Election. His statement is likely to spark debate within ODM and the wider opposition, particularly in Western Kenya, where calls for political cohesion have grown louder in recent years.
By invoking Jirongo’s legacy, Oparanya positioned his message as a continuation of a long-standing push for unity, suggesting that meaningful political power for the Luhya community can only be achieved through collective action rather than divided party loyalties.
