Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has stepped up political mobilisation in Western Kenya, urging the Luhya community to remain united as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Oparanya also called on residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that Western Kenya can strengthen its political influence by remaining organised and increasing voter registration.
The former Kakamega governor made the remarks during a public engagement forum in Emuhaya Constituency, Vihiga County, hosted by area Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba.
The meeting brought together local leaders and residents to discuss development in the region as political parties and leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the next General Election.
Oparanya pushes for Luhya unity
Oparanya told residents that unity among the Luhya community would be important as Western Kenya prepares for the 2027 political contest.
He said a united region would be better placed to negotiate for its interests and influence decisions at the national level.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed to ongoing government projects in Western Kenya as evidence of what he described as the development being implemented under the Ruto administration.
His message comes at a time when political leaders from the region are seeking to consolidate their support bases while also positioning themselves for influential roles in the next administration.
Oparanya has increasingly become a key figure in political discussions surrounding the relationship between the Orange Democratic Movement and the broad-based government.
The former governor has supported the broad-based arrangement and has previously encouraged residents in Western Kenya to maintain strong grassroots political structures.
During the Emuhaya meeting, Oparanya was accompanied by Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and several Members of the County Assembly.
The leaders used the gathering to engage residents on development while also emphasising the importance of political organisation ahead of 2027.
Call for increased voter registration
Oparanya also urged residents to register as voters in large numbers, saying a larger voter base would give Western Kenya greater numerical strength during the elections.
Voter registration has become an important part of political mobilisation as parties begin preparing for the 2027 polls.
For Western Kenya, increasing the number of registered voters could strengthen the region’s bargaining position and give political leaders a stronger platform when negotiating for national positions and resources.
Oparanya encouraged residents who have not registered as voters to take advantage of the ongoing registration process.
His remarks also come as political parties intensify efforts to establish grassroots structures across the country ahead of the election.
Oparanya linked to 2027 running mate debate
The latest mobilisation comes amid growing political discussions over Oparanya’s possible role in the 2027 presidential contest.
Some ODM leaders in Western Kenya have openly backed Oparanya for consideration as President Ruto’s running mate.
At a political event held in Vihiga on July 31, leaders including Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba backed Oparanya for the deputy presidency.
The leaders argued that Western Kenya should negotiate from a position of strength by remaining united and increasing its political numbers.
Oparanya, however, has continued to emphasise unity and voter registration while supporting ODM’s grassroots structures and the broad-based government.
His political activities have consequently placed him at the centre of discussions about the future direction of ODM and its relationship with the Ruto administration.
Western Kenya emerges as key 2027 battleground
Western Kenya is expected to remain an important political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election because of its large population and significant number of registered voters.
Political parties are already seeking to consolidate support across counties in the region, with leaders using development projects, party structures and community mobilisation to strengthen their influence.
For Oparanya, the strategy combines support for the broad-based government with calls for stronger ODM grassroots structures and greater voter registration.
The approach could also shape negotiations over political positions as parties begin forming alliances and identifying potential presidential and deputy presidential candidates.
Oparanya has urged residents to remain focused on the interests of the region while supporting the government’s development agenda.
He argues that political unity will be important if Western Kenya is to secure greater influence in national decision-making.
As the 2027 election approaches, the region is likely to witness increased political activity, with leaders seeking to mobilise voters and build alliances.
Oparanya’s latest remarks therefore signal an intensifying political campaign in Western Kenya, with unity, voter registration and support for Ruto emerging as central themes in his mobilisation efforts.
