Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has warned ODM's Linda Ground faction, led by Oburu Odinga, that the Western region may reconsider its political allegiance if sidelined. He spoke in Lugari, Kakamega County, on April 24.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya expressed frustration with ODM's current leadership for disregarding Western Kenya leaders. He contrasted this with the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga's era, when the region received recognition and respect.
"I want to tell those leaders of ODM, this time, do not take us for granted. Raila respected us. Now, those leading ODM after Raila’s death should also respect us. If they do not respect us, we will quit," Oparanya said.
He noted that Western leaders helped build the party but now feel excluded from key decisions and power-sharing. Oparanya accused the leadership of prioritizing positions in President William Ruto’s administration over grassroots needs.
"We were very close, and we were even leaders in those parties. Yet now they are just continuing with their activities. They are now just demanding power," he stated. "They have forgotten the people of Western. We also want power. They should not think that they are the only ones who want power."
The remarks come amid ODM divisions, including a rival Linda Mwananchi faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which is mobilizing in strongholds. The group plans events in Vihiga on April 25 and Kisumu on April 26. They also precede planned ODM-UDA talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
