Oparanya Urges Luhyas to Unite Behind Ruto Ahead of 2027 Elections

Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has stepped up his political mobilisation in Western Kenya, urging the Luhya community to unite and support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election.

Oparanya made the remarks during a public engagement forum in Emuhaya Constituency, Vihiga County, hosted by area MP Omboko Milemba. The meeting brought together leaders and residents to discuss the government’s development record and the region’s political future.

The former Kakamega Governor said Western Kenya had witnessed significant development under the Ruto administration, pointing to various government projects that he said were transforming the region.

He also stressed the importance of unity among the Luhya community, saying a united region would be in a stronger position to negotiate for its interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

Oparanya further encouraged residents to register as voters in large numbers. He argued that increasing the number of registered voters would strengthen Western Kenya’s representation and give the region greater influence in national politics.

At the same time, the CS called for the continued strengthening of ODM’s grassroots structures in Western Kenya while backing the broad-based government and Ruto’s bid for a second term.

Oparanya’s mobilisation comes as Western Kenya increasingly becomes a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 polls. ODM leaders in the region have in recent months pushed for Oparanya to be considered as Ruto’s running mate.

During a July 31, 2026, political event in Vihiga, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba were among leaders who publicly backed Oparanya for the deputy presidency.

Oparanya has since become an important figure in discussions surrounding ODM’s role in the broad-based government and the party’s strategy ahead of the next election.

During the Emuhaya meeting, he was accompanied by Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Aseka, Milemba and several Members of the County Assembly.

The leaders used the gathering to rally residents around the government’s development agenda while calling for greater political organisation in the region.

With parties already preparing for the 2027 contest, Oparanya’s voter registration message is expected to form part of a wider strategy to increase Western Kenya’s political bargaining power.

His approach combines continued support for the broad-based government with efforts to strengthen ODM’s grassroots network and position Western Kenya strategically ahead of the 2027 General Election.