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Khalwale celebrates as Oparanya ‘ditches’ Raila

By Wangu Kanuri November 23rd, 2022 2 min read

The apparent parting of ways between former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Azimio la Umoja party leader Raila Odinga has been received with jubilation by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

This after Mr Oparanya who supported Odinga’s presidential bid and actively campaigned for him during the August General Election, said he is now done with Mr Odinga.

“I am offering myself from now to lead the unity drive of our people. I am done with Raila and even if he bad-mouths me, God forbid, he knows, he will not be forgiven,” Mr Oparanya is quoted to have said.

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Oparanya, who served two terms as governor, while speaking during a funeral ceremony in Ichinga village, Mumias East wondered why the Luyha community could not be given even a single slot in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

“I was pushing for Kizito Justus to go to EALA but MPs were grumbling that Kizito had no money. I was wondering that MPs must also be bribed to vote. The result of that vote is that all other big tribes but the Luhya sent an MP to EALA,” he said.

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The former governor also said that he is now focused on rallying for the unity of the Luyha community.

His decision to ditch Mr Odinga has been warmly welcomed by Dr Khalwale, who tweeted “Chickens are now coming home to roost!”

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Kenya has nine seats in EALA shared in the ratio of 5:4 between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio with Mr Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga among the nine legislators.

Although she had initially expressed disinterest in the seat, the last born of the opposition leader in her speech promised to continue advocating for people’s rights at the regional Parliament based in Tanzania.

“I am humbled. I am grateful. I am ready. This is for all the ones we lost on the way. There is no me without you,” she said.