Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has said he is ready to walk away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if that is what it takes to unite leaders from the Western region.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial of veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo, Oparanya said political party differences should not stand in the way of unity for the Luhya community, which he described as a “sleeping giant” with the potential to shape the country’s political future.
“If the problem is having different parties, I am ready to leave ODM even now,” Oparanya told mourners. “Let us come together, because I know that we are a sleeping giant in this country.”
Calls for unity dominated the funeral service, with leaders from across the political divide urging Western Kenya to speak with one voice. Several speakers argued that a united region would wield significant political influence and could play a decisive role in forming the next government.
Oparanya revealed that the late Jirongo had been deeply committed to bringing leaders from the region together, saying the two had held several discussions on unity. He added that he had previously told Jirongo he was willing to sacrifice his party affiliation for the greater good of the community—a position he said still stands.
Since his appointment to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, Oparanya has faced criticism from sections of ODM leadership. In September 2025, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa publicly called on President Ruto to dismiss Oparanya, accusing him of engaging in partisan politics while serving as a Cabinet Secretary.
The unity message was echoed by several national leaders who attended the burial, among them former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Gideon Moi and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Gideon Moi said unity in Western Kenya would “shake the country” and help shape future political formations, sentiments that Uhuru Kenyatta supported.
“We have lost a leader who believed in unity and peace, both for his community and the nation,” Uhuru said. “I support those saying Western leaders should sit down, talk among themselves and agree on the direction of our country.”
Abdulswamad Nassir urged leaders to embrace respect and tolerance as the foundation of unity, noting that differing opinions should not be a source of division.
“Unity starts with respect. If you truly want to unite, then respect each other’s views,” he said.
Jirongo, who died in a road accident, was laid to rest on December 30, even as questions surrounding the circumstances of his death continue to linger.
At the funeral, he was remembered as a unifying figure, a bold political voice and a generous leader who was always willing to use his resources to uplift others. Leaders from the region praised his consistent calls for unity, saying speaking with one voice would strengthen their bargaining power for development and future national leadership.
In recent months, leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have also renewed calls for cohesion in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond, arguing that unity is key to securing resources and meaningful representation for the region.
