The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya has challenged his party leader Raila Odinga to support his presidential ambitions in the forthcoming General Election.
Oparanya who doubles up as Kakamega governor said he has stood with the former prime minister since he joined politics and that it is time the opposition chief return the favour.
In a tweet posted on Saturday, April 24, Oparanya said Raila’s support combined with his development record could make his journey to the statehouse easier.
“I humbly request my Party Leader former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to support my presidential bid in the 2022 General Election. With his support, my development record and reaching out to other national leaders for their support, I am confident of becoming the fifth president of this country,” he said.
This comes days after Oparanya held several political meetings with other presidential hopefuls including Deputy President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
It is suspect that Oparanya might have been sponsored by William Ruto to scuttle the Mulembe presidential votes, a tactic that might see Ruto sail through to statehouse and reward Oparanya with plum state job in return.
On Friday, April 23, ODM Members of Parliament had warned the two deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho not to compete against Raila Odinga for ODM presidential ticket.
Led by Migori Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo and Nyatike MP Tom Odege, the legislators urged the two deputy party leaders to shelve their presidential ambitions and support Raila.
“Our party leader will definitely be on the ballot. Raila has brought meaningful changes to this country. Therefore, other leaders should shelve their ambitions and support him,” said Pamela Odhiambo.
Nyatike MP on his part said even though Oparanya and Joho have a democratic right to contest, Raila has a better chance because of his political influence.
“The 2022 presidential battle needs leaders with a national outlook. Governor Joho and Oparanya have a democratic space to vie for any space, but the current political tide can only be weathered by Odinga,” said Tom Odege.
The two governors whose terms of governance will be coming to an end in 2022 had expressed their intentions to contest by applying for the party’s presidential ticket.
