The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has resolved to front former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027 under the ODM-UDA Coalition.
The decision was reached during a high-level strategy meeting held on Thursday at Dr. Oburu Oginga’s Riverside Office at Pawa Center, Nairobi.
The closed-door session brought together senior ODM figures, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, and Hassan Joho, alongside Oparanya himself.
According to insiders, the meeting was convened to chart ODM’s 2027 political course following months of internal consultations.
The endorsement of Oparanya, a seasoned technocrat and two-term governor, is seen as a strategic move to consolidate Western Kenya’s 900,000-plus registered voters while positioning ODM as a decisive player in 2027.
Party strategists described the choice as both pragmatic and symbolic.
Oparanya’s deep roots in Kakamega and his reputation for administrative competence are expected to strengthen ODM’s appeal in the Luhya region, historically a key ODM stronghold.
The region’s voter base, coupled with growing discontent in parts of Mt Kenya could tilt the balance in ODM’s favor.
“The Western bloc remains critical to any winning coalition. Oparanya brings credibility, experience, and a unifying presence that resonates beyond party lines,” said a senior ODM official who attended the meeting.
The endorsement also marks a huge shift in ODM’s approach to national politics where for the first time the party is backing a ruling party for the presidency, and not fielding its own candidate.
Unknown to many it was Dr Oburu Oginga who introduced Oparanya to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga in the early 90s.
The CS has long been viewed as one of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s most trusted lieutenants.
