Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has openly admitted that convincing Western Kenya voters to support President William Ruto for a second term is becoming increasingly difficult.
Speaking during a public gathering, Oparanya revealed that the rising cost of living, heavy taxes, and economic pressure facing ordinary Kenyans have created resistance on the ground.
His remarks exposed the growing challenge Kenya Kwanza leaders are facing as the country slowly shifts attention to the 2027 General Election.
The Cabinet Secretary, who is among the key leaders tasked with mobilising support for President Ruto in Western Kenya, urged residents of the region to unite behind the Head of State.
“We should embrace President Ruto as a region the way other regions are doing, but we want to assure the President that here in Western region, we are saying two-term,” Oparanya said.
His admission comes at a politically sensitive time when the government is facing criticism over high taxes, expensive basic commodities, and tough economic conditions affecting millions of households.
Many Kenyans continue to express frustration over the rising cost of food, fuel, transport, and housing.
The pressure has become a major political headache for leaders trying to defend the government’s performance ahead of the next election cycle.
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President Ruto has recently intensified tours across different parts of the country, with Cabinet Secretaries accompanying him in what critics describe as early campaigns disguised as development visits.
Oparanya has been travelling alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to drum up support for the President, especially in Western Kenya where political loyalty has often shifted between rival camps.
Despite the criticism facing the administration, Oparanya defended the government’s economic direction, insisting that the economy was stabilising under President Ruto’s leadership.
“The economy has become stable and it is growing under the leadership of President Ruto,” he stated while calling for continuity in leadership.
However, his comments have sparked debate online, with some Kenyans questioning whether government leaders fully understand the financial struggles many families are currently facing.
At the same time, Oparanya’s political influence in the region appears to be growing. A section of Western Kenya MPs has already endorsed him as a possible running mate for President Ruto in 2027.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka publicly declared support for Oparanya to become the country’s next Deputy President if President Ruto secures re-election.
But Oparanya appeared careful not to fuel the succession talk further.
“I am comfortable with where I am now, serving as Cabinet Secretary. That might be their wish, and I can't stop their wish. I am satisfied with what I have,” he said.
As political temperatures continue rising ahead of 2027, Oparanya’s rare public admission may reflect a deeper concern within government ranks. The big question now is whether Kenya Kwanza can rebuild public trust in time, or whether growing economic frustration will reshape the country’s political landscape.
