Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has said he is prepared to walk away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if doing so would help bring unity to the Luhya community and strengthen Western Kenya’s political influence.
Oparanya made the remarks while speaking at the burial of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, noting that discussions on Luhya unity often dominated his conversations with the late politician.
He told mourners that he once questioned whether his long-standing association with ODM, where he previously served as deputy party leader, could be viewed as a stumbling block to regional cohesion.
Oparanya said he informed Jirongo that he was willing to sacrifice his party position if it stood in the way of uniting the Western region under a common political direction.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, unity remains his top priority, urging leaders and residents from the region to rise above personal, clan and party differences in pursuit of collective progress.
He described Western Kenya as a region with untapped potential, saying its population strength and economic capacity can only translate into meaningful influence if leaders rally behind a shared vision.
His remarks come at a time when calls for Luhya unity have intensified following Jirongo’s death, with several leaders using the moment to push for greater cohesion across political and clan lines.
Jirongo, who was laid to rest at his home in Lumakanda, was remembered as a vocal champion of regional empowerment, a legacy leaders said should guide future engagements among Luhya leaders.
In a related development, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula revealed that he, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and CS Oparanya had agreed to work together in advancing unity within the Luhya community.
Speaking at Seregeya village during a condolence visit to the family of former Likuyani MP Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy, Wetang’ula said the three leaders had resolved to align their efforts as a starting point for broader regional mobilisation.
He noted that the unity drive would be expanded to include other leaders from across Western Kenya, stressing that the community’s bargaining power in national politics depends on speaking with one voice.
Wetang’ula added that the leaders were encouraging closer engagement with the current government, arguing that strategic unity would place the region in a stronger position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Tags
News