CS Oparanya: I am ready to leave ODM
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 30, 2025Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has declared that he is ready to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if it will help unite Western Kenya. The CS said the move is necessary if it will consolidate the region’s political influence and build a stronger voice for the Luhya community.
Speaking during the funeral service of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Oparanya said his readiness to exit ODM was not for personal gain but for the sake of regional unity. Oparanya first recalled how Jirongo repeatedly called for cohesion and secure better representation for the region.
“Na kila wakati, akikutana na mimi, mambo ya waluhya. Siku moja nikamwuliza, mimi ndio shida, kwa sababu niko kwa chama ya ODM?” Oparanya said.
“Nikasema, kama mimi ni shida, niko tayari kutoka kwa chama cha ODM kama deputy party leader wakati huo. Tuje pamoja, tuunde chama kimoja ambacho watu wetu wote wataingia hapa.”
“Sasa hivi tuna waluhya wawili watatu hivi ambao ni party leaders wa chama. Hao ndio party leaders na Jirongo mwenyewe walikuwa party leaders.”
Oparanya went on to stress that past disagreements and personal rivalries should not block the path to unity. He urged all Luhya leaders to prioritise the community’s interests over individual ambitions.
“Nataka niseme mbele yenu, kama sisi ni shida, mimi niko tayari kutoka kwa chama cha ODM. Nataka niseme wazi hapa, tuungane pamoja. Because I know if we come together, we have a sleeping giant in this country.”
Oparanya’s remarks came amid discussions about political divisions in the region. He highlighted that multiple party leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa and others, have contributed to a fragmented political landscape. He called on leaders to set aside differences and unite for the community’s benefit.
The CS also praised Jirongo, who he said dedicated his life to uniting Western Kenya. He said Jirongo consistently pushed for cohesion among leaders and sought to create a single political front for the Luhya community.
Tensions rise
Oparanya’s statement also touches on the tensions within ODM, especially with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. Earlier this year, Oparanya accused Barasa of forwarding his files to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), claiming the move aimed to damage his reputation.
The CS defended his record as Kakamega governor, saying he had acted within the law and focused on community development.
Earlier this year, Barasa also criticised Oparanya’s conduct, saying the CS, who had served as Kakamega governor for ten years, was struggling to fully embrace his national role. Barasa also noted that Oparanya had initially aimed for a Treasury position but was instead appointed to the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, a role meant to unite Kakamega and Western Kenya leaders.
Barasa accused Oparanya of using MPs to advance personal ambitions and urged both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to intervene.
“Sasa wewe umefanyiwa heshima umepewa uwaziri ili uweze kuunganisha wana Kakamega. Saa hizi anatumia wabunge ili kuvuruga chama cha ODM. Mimi nataka kuambia rais; you must call your CS Oparanya to order,” Barasa said.
He added that Oparanya should avoid embarrassing himself and the party by pursuing personal interests through legislators.