NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – Senator Bonny Khalwale and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya have set aside their political differences and decided to work together.
The two have reaffirmed their commitment to unity and the resolution to put aside their disagreements to advance the development of Kakamega County.
“Former Governor Oparanya and I have agreed to work together for the sake of development in this county. We will reach out to all shades of this county, including MCAs and MPs, to ensure that Kakamega succeeds. When Kakamega succeeds, the vision I shared with Oparanya in 2013 will also succeed,” Khalwale said.
Oparanya on his part, expressed gratitude to Senator Khalwale for holding his administration accountable during his ten-year tenure as governor.
“He kept me on my toes to deliver, and because he did so, I believe I was able to deliver. This is what a Senator is supposed to do. In politics, there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends; what matters is the interest,” Oparanya said.
“We have decided to put aside any differences people thought we had so that we can work together for the benefit of the people of Kakamega.”
Khalwale revealed his intention to run for the position of governor in 2027 and sought the former governor’s support and blessings.
The Senator, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), said that President William Ruto, the leader of his party, had endorsed his gubernatorial ambitions.
“We are here because two months ago, I visited the President of Kenya and informed him that I would be running for the position of Governor of Kakamega in 2027. Today, I have come to communicate this important decision to the County Government,” he explained.
“I specifically chose (former) Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya for this significant announcement to the county because he was our first Governor. I have met with the former Governor of Kakamega without any bias toward anyone, whether they are currently in office or planning to vie for Governor.”
The two leaders have been on opposite sides of the political spectrum for months.
Khalwale unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Oparanya in 2017, which allowed Oparanya to secure a second term in office.
Khalwale made a bid for the same position in 2022 but accepted a Senate position as part of an in-house agreement with the UDA.
Fernandes Barasa, a fellow party member of Oparanya, emerged victorious in the 2022 race and currently serves as the Governor of Kakamega County.
