From glory to glory: Oparanya makes grand comeback to Kenyan Cabinet

Wycliffe Oparanya. (File/The Standard)

Wycliffe Oparanya, the man who hit headlines when his photos with sidekick Mary Biketi leaked, is set to join the Cabinet again.

The former Governor of Kakamega County and ODM Deputy Party Leader has always been a figure of both admiration in leadership and controversy.

Oparanya also served as Minister for Planning in the late President Mwai Kibaki’s government, besides serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Butere for ten years and another ten years as Kakamega governor.

Two years ago, Oparanya was in the cold after ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga failed to secure the presidency in 2022.

Oparanya has been a guest to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for alleged embezzlement of Sh1.3 billion, and people would say the former Kakamega governor is a man of nine lives.

He has returned to public office as Cabinet Secretary nominee for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.

Oparanya has been angling for the presidency, hoping that he will get the backing of his party leader to take over ODM and ascend to power.

The former governor has been battling with his fellow deputy party leader and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to take over and lead ODM as Raila eyes the African Union chairmanship.

Two weeks ago, during an interview with The Standard, when asked whether he was ready to serve in President William Ruto’s Cabinet, Oparanya said he was ready since he will be serving Kenyans.

“If the chance comes to serve in the government, I will accept because I will be serving the people and not some individual,” said Oparanya.

Known for his political acumen and transformative leadership, Oparanya has also gained attention for his penchant for the finer things in life.

From his early days in public service, Oparanya’s refined taste and eye for quality have been evident. Whether it is his choice of attire, dining preferences, or lifestyle, the former governor’s appreciation for luxury is undeniable.

Friends and associates often speak of his meticulous attention to detail and desire for excellence in every aspect of his life.

One of the most notable aspects of Oparanya’s love for luxury is his residence. His home in Mabole village, Butere Constituency, Kakamega, which he built from 2009 to 2011, often described as a posh home, is a testament to his sophisticated taste.

The mansion, set on sprawling grounds, boasts state-of-the-art amenities, elegant interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors to his home are often left in awe of its grandeur and the evident effort put into its design and upkeep.

During an interview with the KTN Home crew, Oparanya said his taste for finer things, especially his house with clear white colour, was driven or motivated by his father, who was one of the best tailors.

“My house is a five-bedroom, two sitting rooms and a guest wing. My wife selected the colours and arrangements. Some of the chairs I imported in 2011,” said Oparanya.

On how much he spent on the house, Oparanya said he cannot quantify since he has been building it in phases. Inside the house, Oparanya has preserved one special room specifically for his ODM Party Leader, Raila Odinga, when he visits the region, and the bed is covered with an orange bedsheet.

“This is an important room, specifically reserved for my party leader. It is where he stays and sleeps when he visits. The bed has an orange bed cover, the symbol of our party, and this has become Baba’s house whether I am around or not,” said Oparanya.

Furthermore, Oparanya’s house has a room for family members, meeting officials, and a ‘Wananchi room’ where he meets the common people.

“Since I am a politician and I meet people, I have a Wananchi room where I meet my people, and that is why you can see the kind and quality of materials is different from the rest,” he opined.

Dining is another area where Oparanya’s refined taste shines. He is known to frequent high-end restaurants and enjoys gourmet meals prepared by top chefs. His appreciation for fine dining is not just about the food but also the experience, the ambience, and the company.

In his personal life, Oparanya has never shied away from the public and media, stating that he was taught by his mother to be sincere.

“I was born in a family of five, but unfortunately our first four siblings died and my mother taught me to be honest and always sincere. That is why I don’t hide anything. I have two wives with a girlfriend,” said Oparanya.

Oparanya says after 41 years as a public servant and ageing, he felt it was possible and wise to have a young woman accompany him everywhere he goes since his two wives are becoming old.

“There is no vacancy for more ladies because life has become so expensive. When my video with my girlfriend leaked, I was not surprised or tensed because it was the truth of the matter, and I am not a man who pretends in the day and at the night, I turn a wicked person,” said Oparanya.

During his tenure as governor, he spearheaded numerous development projects aimed at improving the lives of his constituents. From infrastructural developments to healthcare improvements, Oparanya’s administration left a significant impact on Kakamega County.

The former governor said he is proud of the legacy he has left in terms of infrastructure as the first governor of Kakamega, including tarmacking 240 kilometres of road, and his track record draws back to when he was the minister for planning.

“The leadership aspect in me came in 1995 when I became the chairman of Butere Boys and later the MP for Butere. I have always lived to serve the people and change their lives, and that is why, I was the best performing MP. My planning ministry was ranked the best-performing ministry, and of course, I have been the best governor. And Kakamega was ranked the best county, several times,” he said.

In fashion, Oparanya is often seen donning designer suits tailored to perfection. His wardrobe choices speak of a man who values quality and elegance. Whether attending official functions or casual events, he always presents himself with a touch of class, embodying the adage that clothes make a man.

On Wednesday, when President Ruto announced his name as one of the nominees to the Cabinet, leaders in Kakamega hailed the President, stating that Oparanya was the best man to lead the docket.

However, the leaders and residents opined that Oparanya was best suited for the Treasury seat.

“We welcome the President’s move. Oparanya has all the qualities it takes to lead any ministry, but he is best to lead the Treasury docket due to his education and professional background as an economist, and we hope moving forward the President will reshuffle Oparanya to Treasury docket,’’ said Geoffrey Ondiro.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa welcomed the move, saying Oparanya deserves the docket based on his track record.

“We thank the President for nominating our emeritus Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and we know he is the man best suited for the job, and we are behind him,’’ said Barasa.

As he continues to navigate the political landscape, Wycliffe Oparanya remains a figure of fascination. His love for the finer things in life, coupled with his political legacy, paints a picture of a man who embodies both luxury and leadership.