Images 48 1
Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has pivoted from an escalating personal feud with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa to focus on regional mobilization to show who is the boss.
The move comes shortly after Governor Barasa publicly called on President William Ruto to dismiss Oparanya from the cabinet, accusing his predecessor of fostering political division and actively sabotaging county leadership.
Stepping away from the administrative row, Oparanya convened lawmakers from across the parliamentary divide to establish a unified front ahead of upcoming economic and electoral milestones.
The former governor emphasized that the consultation centered on mapping out strategic development priorities, expanding trade, and addressing regional economic challenges.
Rather than directly addressing the calls for his dismissal, the Cabinet Secretary positioned himself as a unifying regional figure capable of coordinating national development initiatives directly with local representatives.
During the retreat, participants examined strategies to maximize the region’s vast agricultural capacity, improve cooperative infrastructure, and enhance commercial opportunities for local communities.
The discussions highlighted that purposeful leadership and strategic alignment are essential prerequisites for elevating Western Kenya’s bargaining power in national governance and resource allocation. Leaders in attendance noted that internal squabbles only serve to diminish the region’s leverage on the national stage.
The consultative meeting highlights an evolving power dynamic in Western Kenya politics, where competing factions are battling for regional influence.
By driving discussions on economic growth and collective political strategy alongside national lawmakers, Oparanya seeks to cement his role as a premier national leader from the region, countering local efforts aimed at undermining his executive standing.
About The Author
