CS Wycliffe Oparanya Dismisses MPs’ Endorsement for 2027 Deputy President Bid

Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has addressed the recent backing he received from several MPs in Kakamega County, who publicly endorsed him as a potential running mate for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election. While the support highlights his enduring influence in Western Kenya, Oparanya emphasised that he is content in his current role as Cooperatives and MSME Cabinet Secretary and has no immediate ambitions for the deputy presidency.
The endorsement, formally known as the Khwisero Declaration, was made in March 2025 when a group of western Kenyan MPs rallied behind Oparanya, citing his previous gubernatorial experience and appeal across the Mulembe community. But in his interview on September 22, 2025, Oparanya described the decision as the MPs’ personal wishes rather than an indication of his intent. I am comfortable with where I am now… for me, 2027 is far, and now we should concentrate on giving services to wananchi, he said.
Political analysts interpret Oparanya’s response as a strategic move: he avoids closing the door altogether on future ambitions while redirecting public attention back to his ministerial duties. For the MPs who endorsed him, the moment reveals their aspirations to reshape regional power structures and secure Western Kenya’s stake in national politics.
Looking ahead, the significance of this development lies less in Oparanya’s current position and more in the momentum it could generate. Will he eventually embrace a national ticket, or will the endorsement become a bargaining chip for another role? Meanwhile, the MPs’ backing may mark early jockeying for influence ahead of 2027 — signalling that Western Kenya remains a contested terrain in the evolving political landscape.