Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed calls for him to leave President William Ruto’s administration and join the United Opposition, insisting he has no reason to abandon the government for an uncertain political alliance.

Speaking during a public event on Sunday, July 27, 2026, Oparanya said he remains committed to serving in the Kenya Kwanza government and questioned the logic of leaving an administration he is already part of to support politicians who are not in power.

“Mimi sasa Oparanya niko kwa serikali. Mnaniambia nitoke kwa serikali niende niunge mkono mtu mwingine ambaye hayuko kwa serikali ati yeye ataunda serikali, serikali ambayo mimi siijui,” Oparanya said.

Oparanya calls for respect among leaders

The CS also called on elected leaders to respect one another despite political differences, saying leaders have a responsibility to work together for the benefit of the people.

“Nataka hao viongozi, kama wewe ni kiongozi ambaye amechaguliwa na watu kama vile mko hapa, uheshimu viongozi wengine,” he added.

Oparanya further urged leaders and residents from the Western Kenya region to rally behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, arguing that supporting the incumbent administration would better position the region to benefit from ongoing government development programmes.

The remarks from the CS have come amid intensified political realignments, with opposition leaders stepping up efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Calls for Western Kenya unity

The CS made the remarks when the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM party was on a tour in the Western region where they insisted on the unity of the Western region ahead of the 2027 general elections while they back Edwin Sifuna to steer the talks in the united opposition as the presidential candidate in the movement.

Junet backs Oparanya for DP

On the other hand, Sina East Member of Parliament indicated that the Orange Democratic Movement will be entering into negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance Party ,proposing Oparanya to be the designated running mate to President Ruto in the agreement.

Despite the growing pressure, Oparanya’s latest remarks signal his intention to remain firmly in the Kenya Kwanza administration while advocating continued support for President Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027.