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| Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya |
Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has confirmed that he is ready to work with President William Ruto.
Speaking on Saturday at Malava in Kakamega County, Oparanya thanked the President for choosing him as part of his Cabinet and vowed to put in the work needed.
“Mimi sasa nimetii amri. Sasa mimi nataka niungane na Rais tufanye maendeleo hapa Kenya,” he said.
This is loosely translated to, “I have obeyed the call. I will now join the President to develop the country.”
He said he will not involve himself in politics anymore, adding that he will stick with Ruto to develop Kenya.
Oparanya said in the short period that he has been part of the Kenya Kwanza government; he can attest that it has developed the country.
“You know when I was outside, I didn’t know what was inside. But now that I am inside, I know how it is,” he said.
Oparanya is among Raila Odinga’s men who were appointed to Ruto’s government.
The others include John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wanday (Energy) and Hassan Joho (Mining).
Oparanya joined the President during his current development tour in the western region, which began on Saturday.
Western Kenya is seen as Raila’s stronghold but the latest move by the President to form a broad-based government could enhance his fortunes in the region.
Ruto has intensified countrywide tours in his efforts to assess the impact of his move to bring on board opposition figures into his government.
He has already toured Coast, Mount Kenya and Gusiiland in his latest countrywide development visits.
Oparanya’s sentiments come shortly after Kisii Governor Simba Arati said the Opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is ready to work with Ruto.
The Kisii Governor and ODM deputy party leader urged leaders to put aside any differences they have and work for the people.
He also asked that they all support President Ruto to deliver on his promises for the time that remains to the end of his first term.
“I want to plead with leaders who are here, let’s put our differences aside and work with the President for remaining time to make sure development comes to the people,” he said on Tuesday.
by SHARON MWENDE