Western is with Raila, Oparanya tells Mudavadi

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya address enforcement officers when he met them on May 13, 2021 to discuss their grievances. [Mumo Munuve, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has defended a move by a section of leaders from the Western region to front Cotu Secretary-Seneral Francis Atwoli as the lead political negotiator.

Oparanya said the role doesn't make Atwoli the spokesman, and that his was to ensure the regions gets a fair share in the government that will be formed after next year's General Election.

“We have given Atwoli a chance to coordinate all of us so that we can come together and have a common stand on who we shall support for the presidency. We want our community's interests to be taken care of so that we are not left in the cold again after the elections.”

The Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula did not attend the Sunday meeting where the resolution was reached.

Speaking in Kakamega town yesterday, Oparanya said that they do not want to be in the opposition. "I have no problem with Mudavadi working with Raila as they have done in the past, but if he (Mudavadi) cannot agree to that arrangement, then I will not support his presidential quest.”

Oparanya said it will be hard for Mudavadi to defeat Raila in Western, adding that the region, as was not ready to produce a formidable presidential candidate.