Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed reports linking him to the Deputy President position, saying he has not considered taking up the role.
Speaking during an interview, Oparanya said the office is currently held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and maintained that discussions about the position are premature.
The CS also revealed that he was surprised when Suna East MP Junet Mohamed publicly endorsed him for the position, noting that the endorsement was made without his prior knowledge and that Junet has continued to push the proposal independently.
Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Photo: Courtesy.
Oparanya’s remarks come days after Junet, on Sunday, July 26, declared that ODM would seek the Deputy President position if it entered a coalition agreement with President William Ruto’s UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election. Junet argued that Oparanya was the most suitable candidate for the role.
The proposal, however, drew criticism from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who urged Oparanya to focus on his ministerial responsibilities and insisted that Kindiki’s position as Deputy President was not under threat.
Ruku also warned ODM leaders that Kindiki’s supporters could equally join the party if necessary to defend his position within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Notably, Oparanya’s clarification comes amid growing political speculation over possible realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, following the recent cooperation between President William Ruto’s UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The evolving relationship has fueled debate over how key positions in a potential coalition government could be shared.
Despite the public endorsements and political discussions, Oparanya emphasized that his current focus remains on delivering his mandate at the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.
He indicated that conversations about future political positions should only take place at the appropriate time.
The Deputy President debate has also exposed differing views within the Kenya Kwanza administration and its allies.
