Oparanya made the remarks on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo.
His comments attracted loud cheers from mourners and reignited debate about the future of Luhya politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the funeral, the former Kakamega governor said his readiness to quit ODM was not driven by personal ambition but by the urgent need for unity among leaders from Western Kenya.
Speaking at the funeral, the former Kakamega governor said his readiness to quit ODM was not driven by personal ambition but by the urgent need for unity among leaders from Western Kenya.
He explained that the region has remained politically divided for years, weakening its bargaining power at the national level.
Oparanya paid glowing tribute to the late Jirongo, describing him as a tireless champion of unity in Western Kenya.
Oparanya paid glowing tribute to the late Jirongo, describing him as a tireless champion of unity in Western Kenya.
He revealed that the two had held several discussions in the past about forming a single political movement that would bring together leaders and voters from the region.
“Every time we met, we talked about unity. I even told him that if I was the obstacle, I was ready to leave my position in ODM so that our people could come together under one party,” Oparanya said.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that the Luhya community currently has multiple political leaders heading different parties, a situation he said has caused confusion and competition rather than cooperation.
“At the moment, we have two or three Luhya leaders who are party leaders. Even Jirongo himself once led a party. This shows how fragmented our politics has become,” he noted.
Oparanya urged leaders from the Mulembe nation to place the interests of the community above personal political ambitions.
“Every time we met, we talked about unity. I even told him that if I was the obstacle, I was ready to leave my position in ODM so that our people could come together under one party,” Oparanya said.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that the Luhya community currently has multiple political leaders heading different parties, a situation he said has caused confusion and competition rather than cooperation.
“At the moment, we have two or three Luhya leaders who are party leaders. Even Jirongo himself once led a party. This shows how fragmented our politics has become,” he noted.
Oparanya urged leaders from the Mulembe nation to place the interests of the community above personal political ambitions.
He warned that continued divisions could cost the region its chance to play a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s leadership.
He further described Western Kenya as a “sleeping political giant” that has failed to fully utilise its numbers and potential due to internal divisions.
“I want to say clearly that if we are the problem, I am ready to leave ODM. Let us unite. If we come together, we are a sleeping giant in this country,” Oparanya declared.
His remarks come at a time when concerns are growing over the declining influence of the Luhya community in national politics, despite being one of Kenya’s largest voting blocs.
He further described Western Kenya as a “sleeping political giant” that has failed to fully utilise its numbers and potential due to internal divisions.
“I want to say clearly that if we are the problem, I am ready to leave ODM. Let us unite. If we come together, we are a sleeping giant in this country,” Oparanya declared.
His remarks come at a time when concerns are growing over the declining influence of the Luhya community in national politics, despite being one of Kenya’s largest voting blocs.
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