Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya dismisses DP debate. [Courtesy]
Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed growing speculation linking him to the position of Deputy President.
Oparanya insists that no official discussions have taken place and reiterating his commitment to supporting President William Ruto's re-election under the broad-based government.
Speaking during a television interview, he said he has never expressed interest in the country's second-highest office, noting that the position is already occupied by someone he respects.
"I have not thought of being the deputy president. I hear people talk about it but myself I know that office already has someone whom I respect. He is doing a very good job and I think it is premature to talk about it," Oparanya said.
His remarks come amid increasing political debate over the future of the Kenya Kwanza-ODM working relationship and growing calls from some leaders for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to secure a more prominent role in government ahead of the next General Election.
ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed recently endorsed Oparanya for the role, describing him as one of the party’s most loyal and experienced leaders due to his long-standing association with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga and his influence in Western Kenya.
Oparanya revealed that the discussion first caught him by surprise during a political meeting when National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed publicly raised the issue without prior consultation.