Kakamega Governor Wycliff Oparanya has stated that the caucus of leaders from Western Kenya did not endorse ODM Leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid during their meeting on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
The ODM deputy party leader maintained that the meeting between Luhya community leader was not to endorse Odinga as their preferred presidential candidate, rather to unite people from the region ahead of next year's polls.
"Obviously being a party leader on my side I would definitely vote for Raila Amollo Odinga. But people had different views. It was a free discussion but we never came out free saying we are going to support Raila. We agreed to discuss so we can have a consensus at the end. When we decide which direction to go, then all of us from the region will go in that direction," Oparanya stated.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga and his two deputies; Governors Ali Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya. [Photo: Courtesy]
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He noted that during the meeting, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli was chosen to spearhead negotiations for the Luhya community.
"He will seek audiences with Key presidential aspirants to ensure that the luhya nation is part of the next government in 2022," he said.
Oparanya further alleged that ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi has minimal chances of clinching the presidency during the August 9, 2022, general polls.
"Let me tell you that the Luhya community is a very difficult community and its unlikely that Musalia will defeat Raila in Western. We don't want to disrespect any leader but at the moment there are only two main contenders," he said.
Last week, Oparanya who had applied to be ODM's presidential flagbearer in 2022, shelved his ambitions in support of Raila.
This leaves ODM with only two presidential aspirants in the former premier and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, also after Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho stated that he will support Odinga.
As the race for the 2022 presidency heats up, various regions across the country are formulating teams to negotiate on their behalf both politically and economically.
Deputy President William Ruto and Raila, who are considered the major contenders for the presidency, are traversing the country, while they hold meetings from regional leaders to layout their plans for the country.
