Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has advised former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and join forces with Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi.
Ahmenasir told the ODM deputy party leader to dump former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and agree to become Wanjigi’s running mate in the 2027 elections.
“What a lucky dude, governor Oparanya is. Getting on a silver platter, the running mate position from Jimi Wanjigi is priceless. He should grab it!” Ahmednassir said.
Speaking on Saturday, March 9, Wanjigi revealed plans to contest for presidency in 2027 alongside Oparanya.
Wanjigi who attended a funeral in Butere explained that he needs a strong leader like Oparanya if he is to challenge President William Ruto in the next polls.
“This mission calls for a tough opposition led by a tough man like me and backed by Oparanya as a running mate. I need a mate from the land of the brave. I know Butere as a land of the brave, Martin Shikuku, who gave the Kanu one party regime sleepless nights when it was oppressing the nation,” he said.
“It was such resilience that made change in this country possible, and it is the same resilience am calling upon fellow leaders including my very good friend, Oparanya to embrace,” he added.
Oparanya Responds to Wanjigi’s Offer
However, Oparanya failed to honor Wanjigi’s offer arguing that it is early to plan for the next election.
“Wanjigi has made a proposal to me but the downside of it is that I am also eying the presidency. But I know we will one day agree on the respective path to follow,” he said.
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Oparanya said he will take over the opposition leader roles, ensure ODM remains vibrant and popular should Raila win the AUC seat.
“Many think that we, the Raila foot soldiers, will give up on playing the opposition role but that is beside the point. We will keep checking the regime,” he said.
Also Read: Jimi Wanjigi on Why Kalonzo Should Retire from Politics
Wanjigi Slams Ruto
Wanjigi criticized Ruto’s tax measures explaining that even Mt. Kenya residents are complaining just like those in Azimio strongholds.
He further said leaders should unite and have a conversation about the country’s future to prevent the looming danger.
“When like-minded leaders come together, then you can be sure great things are about to happen. It is time to put an end to the pain of the common mwanainchi,” Wanjigi wrote on X.
Also Read: Wanjigi Poses Tough Questions for Ruto on Usage of Housing Levy Funds
Raila AU Commission Job
This comes at a time when ODM leader Raila Odinga has started lobbying African head of states to vote for him as the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Oparanya and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho are among the people who have been hinted to take over from Raila if his bid is successful.
However, Raila has constantly reiterated that he is not going anywhere and will be available whenever his supporters will be in need of him.
