Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has said he won’t contest for the country’s presidency in 2022 if his party leader Raila Odinga goes for the same seat.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, Oparanya noted that Raila is his long-time friend and a father figure in politics, therefore he cannot compete against him.
“If my party leader stands, I’d rather go for another post instead of opposing him. We have worked together with Raila since 2005,” he said.
Oparanya further noted that he is yet to establish the seat he’ll go for, adding that his decision will be influenced by the outcome of the BBI referendum.
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On the fate of his application for the ODM presidential ticket, Oparanya noted that ODM urged them to traverse the country and popularize their bids before a delegates conference is held to pick the party’s presidential candidate.
Oparanya’s announcement has eased tension in the Orange party as many had predicted a looming crisis in the opposition outfit over its choice of the 2022 presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, Raila is yet to announce whether he’ll contest for the presidency in 2022, but his close allies indicate that he is the race.
On several occasions, Raila has maintained that he’ll declare his stand after the BBI Bill is passed by Kenyans through a referendum.
