Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has come out to dismiss claims that he has endorsed anyone for the Kakamega gubernatorial race.

While speaking during a funeral in Eshibembe, Butere Constituency, on Saturday, January 17, 2025, the CS refuted the claims, saying that he has not made an announcement on who he supports and urged Kakamega locals to treat it as hearsay and political propaganda.

“Saa hii naona watu wanatembea kwa mtandao wanasema Oparanya ameamua nani. Hii ni upuzi; sitaki mambo ya porojo,” he said.

Oparanya endorsing Muhanda

This comes amid a time when he has fallen out with the incumbent governor, Fernandes Barasa, which has been evidenced by him hurling sharp criticism at the man he once campaigned for to assume the top seat in Kakamega County.

This made the CS come out and endorse Kakamega woman rep Elsie Muhanda for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

While speaking in Shikuyu, Ikolomani, on Friday, September 5, 2025, the former governor, after endorsing Elsie Muhanda, went heavily on Governor Barasa, wondering what Kakamega residents really based their decision on before electing him as their governor.

“Mnaleta mkora kama yule mlichagua hapa; sijui watu waliangalia wapi. Unashangaa watu waliangalia wapi,” Oparanya stated.

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.

After being elected as governor, Oparanya stated that he appointed Muhanda as the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health. Later, when she shared her ambitions to contest for the Kakamega Woman Representative seat, he reassigned her to the trade docket that would have allowed her to traverse the whole county and engage directly with citizens.

“Wakati nilikuwa Waziri wa Mipango nilimweka kwa Poverty Eradication Committee kama commissioner; huyu Shinyali ndio alinijulisha kwa Elsie,” he said.

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.

Kakamega gubernatorial race

The Kakamega gubernatorial seat has attracted four candidates as of now, with the first being the incumbent who is adamant about defending his seat, Democracy for Citizens (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, Senator Boni Khalwale, and the Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.