Oparanya says he's still eyeing the presidency

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has said he is not dropping his presidential bid.

Oparanya defended his credentials of running for the top seat next year amid talks of him planning to support other candidates.

Speaking in Butere during the burial of Dr John Makonjio, his former advisor, the governor dismissed talks that his recent meetings with Deputy President William Ruto and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka were meant to strike a deal between him and the two politicians and for him to abandon his presidential ambition. 

"We should stop the rumours that have been emerging daily when leaders meet that they are planning to support each other. These meetings are meant to benchmark and bring unity among all the leaders and Kenyans," said Oparanya.

Oparanya dismissed reports that he is planning to ditch ODM, but said he is open to working with other leaders from other communities and parties.

He said he was solidifying his ambition to be the president by meeting any leader who can offer him support in return.

“When you want to be a national leader like who I aim to be in 2022, you must make friends with the right people,” said Oparanya.
The governor, who applied for the ODM presidential ticket alongside his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho, has elicited talks that he may be planning to ditch the party.

Oparanya said he is still a loyal ODM party member and he aims to use the party as his preferred ticket for the presidential race in 2022.