Oparanya responds to Kakamega MPs’ endorsement as Ruto’s 2027 running mate
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 23, 2025Cooperatives and MSME Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has broken his silence on the endorsement by Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kakamega to deputise President William Ruto 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.
Oparanya explained that he did not expect to be in government after his coalition lost the last election and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country in his present capacity.
He emphasised that 2027 is still far off, and the priority for now should be on delivering services to wananchi rather than focusing on succession politics.
“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.
Oparanya’s endorsement
In March 2025, a group of MPs from Kakamega County and the wider Western Kenya region publicly endorsed Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred candidate for the Deputy President position in the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement, known as the “Khwisero Declaration”, was made during a public event in Khwisero Sub-County, Kakamega, held alongside the disbursement of Uwezo Funds.
The MPs presented Oparanya as a unifying figure for the Mulembe (Luhya) community, highlighting his track record in development and leadership as a way to strengthen Western Kenya’s influence in national politics.