Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met with former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The meeting comes hours after ODM revealed that the former Kakamega Governor tendered his resignation following his nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs.

“This evening, I hosted former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the Cabinet nominee for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, during his courtesy visit to the Railways Offices,” Mudavadi said in a post on X.

The former Sabatia Member of Parliament also revealed what he discussed with Oparanya, who is set to face a parliamentary vetting committee before he assumes his ministerial duties, if approved.

“Our discussions focused on revitalising Kenya’s cooperative sector, renowned as one of the strongest in Africa, and harnessing new technologies and innovations to enhance financial access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We also reflected on how to further empower the people of the Western Kenya region, with a focus on unlocking their economic potential and driving regional development.

“I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to progress and prosperity for all,” Mudavadi’s statement added.

Western region unity

The meeting comes at a time when leaders from the Western region are pushing for a unity course that will bring together the region under a united political front.

In the last elections, Mudavadi was in the Kenya Kwanza coalition led by President William Ruto, while Oparanya, who had already served two terms as Kakamega County Governor, supported Raila Odinga’s bid through the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance.

With Oparanya set to join the government, his political steps will be watched closely, especially at the time when ODM continues to deny any possible coalition agreement with UDA.

From ODM, Ruto also nominated John Mbadi as Treasury CS, Hassan Joho as Mining CS and Opiyo Wandayi to take over at Kawi House as Energy CS.