Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda has stated that the Cooperatives and SMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has the capacity to be elected as the country’s Deputy Head of State come 2027.

While speaking during a Uwezo Fund programme held in Navakholo on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, she said that the former governor has all it takes to be the running mate of President William Ruto in 2027.

She lauded the former two-term governor, who has recently opened up on plans to ditch the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he had served as the deputy party leader before the cabinet appointment, for the track record he left in Kakamega and stated that he is the current kingpin of the community.

“Oparanya, you are our kingpin; the only gift we can give him is to elevate him to higher levels, because Oparanya has the capacity to be the deputy president of Kenya,” Muhanda stated.

She added that the only reward for the people of Kakamega and the entire Western region is to help him ascend to higher levels, which is the deputy presidential slot.

This proposal by the woman representative, who is seeking to challenge Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa in 2027, left the whole crowd in a frenzy. Oparanya, who was seated as the keynote speaker, waved his hand in agreement.

Earlier endorsement

This comes months after a section of Kakamega MPs came out to endorse him for the same post in 2027

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, September 22, 2025, Oparanya said he is comfortable serving in his current role as Cabinet Secretary. He noted that while the endorsement reflects the MPs’ wishes, he is satisfied with his position and has no immediate political ambitions.

“I am comfortable with where I am now, serving as Cabinet Secretary; that might be their wish, and I can’t stop their wish. I am satisfied with what I have; I ended up here where I am because I wasn’t expecting to be where I am at the moment.”

“Our coalition lost an election. I must thank God for where I am; so far, I am satisfied with what I have. I am not excited about it being their wish, but I am not excited about it, and for me, 2027 is far, and now we should concentrate on giving services to Wananchi,” Oparanya stated.

Muhanda’s gubernatorial bid

Elsie Muhanda also dismissed speculations that she has ditched her gubernatorial ambitions. She stated that she is still in the race and will continue up to the ballot, adding that it is only the Kakamega locals who will decide her fate.

Oparanya Endorsing Elsie Muhanda

This comes days after Wickliffe Oparanya endorsed her for the county’s top position.

He gave his personal experience with Muhanda, stating that she was first introduced to him by Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali long ago while he was still serving as Minister for Planning in President Mwai Kibaki’s cabinet. Oparanya later appointed her as a commissioner in the Committee on Poverty Eradication.

According to Oparanya, based on his past experiences with Muhanda, she is best suited for the county job and the one to succeed Barasa, who is doing his first term in office.

Oparanya assured Muhanda of his full support as she eyes the gubernatorial seat, wishing her success in her quest for the county’s top job.

“Amekuwa Woman Rep, saa hii ameniambia anataka kuwa Governor, nikasema sawa, I wish you all the success nikiwa na wewe,” he added.