[Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has recently been nominated by President William Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs.
This nomination marks a significant shift in Oparanya’s political journey, as he has also announced his intention to resign as the deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) once he takes up the new role.
His move to the national government highlights a broader trend of collaboration and unity within Kenya’s political landscape. Wycliffe Oparanya has expressed his readiness to serve in the government of national unity.
He stated that he is still currently the deputy leader of ODM, but once he becomes a state officer and assumes the office of Cabinet Secretary (CS), he will resign from his party position in compliance with the law.
Oparanya emphasized his commitment to working for the good of the nation and moving forward collectively. "The most important thing is that I am ready to serve in this government of national unity.
I will be open, offer suggestions, and propose what is best for the country because we want to move forward for the good of our nation," Oparanya said.
Oparanya's nomination to this new role is backed by his extensive experience in governance and leadership.
He has previously served as the Planning Cabinet Minister during the Kibaki government, where he was involved in the development of the Vision 2030 plan, Kenya’s blueprint for long-term national development.
This experience has prepared him for the expectations and responsibilities that come with his new role. The nomination of Oparanya has been met with both support and suggestions from various quarters.
A section of the Luhya community, particularly in Mombasa County, has expressed gratitude to President Ruto for nominating Oparanya to the Cabinet.
However, they believe that his expertise in finance would make him an ideal candidate for the National Treasury docket instead.
Lawyer Leonard Shimaka, speaking at a Luhya community development conference attended by Oparanya, suggested that Oparanya's background in planning and finance makes him more suitable for the Treasury role.
He thanked the president for the nomination but proposed that Oparanya's skills could be better utilized in managing the country's finances.
"We thank President William Ruto for nominating Wycliffe Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs. We, however, ask him to consider appointing him to the Finance docket, which is his line of expertise," Shimaka said.
Oparanya has promised to bring his wealth of experience to his new role and serve Kenyans diligently.
Speaking as the guest of honor at an event organized by Wereka Real Focus, Oparanya emphasized the importance of open communication with the president on what is best for the country.
He advised the members of Wereka Real Focus to formalize their organization and venture into various business sectors to enhance their economic prospects.
"You should register Wereka Real Focus as a company with shareholders and venture into high-risk or low-risk business," he advised.
The nomination of Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary is seen by some as a strategic move by President Ruto to promote national unity.
Bishop Joseph Maisha of Ushindi Baptist expressed his satisfaction with the president's decision, viewing it as a sign that the president has the country's best interests at heart.
"I am happy that the president has decided to have a government of unity which is a demonstration that he has the interest of this country at heart," Bishop Maisha said.
"Yes, the grievances being raised by the Gen Z are indeed genuine, but let them give the president time to address those complaints," he said.
Maisha emphasized that goons were taking advantage of the protests to destroy property, which was counterproductive to the youth's cause.
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