Odinga Family Endorses Oparanya as Political Adviser
The family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga has endorsed former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as a political adviser to the family, following a meeting at his home in Mabole, Butere Constituency.
The delegation, led by Raila Odinga Junior, son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Jakoyo Oginga, son of ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga, was accompanied by elders from the Kawar clan during the visit.
The delegation recognised Oparanya's longstanding political relationship with the late Raila Odinga and his loyalty during their years of working together.
The meeting also focused on the longstanding political relationship between the Luo and Luhya communities, with the delegation calling for continued cooperation between the two communities in politics and development.
The leaders urged the Luo and Luhya communities to strengthen their ties ahead of the 2027 General Election and continue working together on issues affecting their communities.
Oparanya welcomed the endorsement, saying his long experience in politics and his close working relationship with the late Raila Odinga had given him valuable experience that he could use to guide members of the Odinga family.
“I have been in politics for over 25 years, so I have enough experience, and that experience was given to me by their father, Raila Amollo Odinga,” Oparanya said in remarks reported after the meeting.
Oparanya also called for continued cooperation between the Luo and Luhya communities, linking the relationship to efforts to promote unity and development.
He further urged supporters to strengthen the Orange Democratic Movement, describing the party as an important part of Raila Odinga's political legacy.
The meeting also carried a personal significance for Oparanya. He revealed that a room at his Mabole home had been specifically reserved for Raila Odinga whenever the former Prime Minister visited Kakamega.
Following Raila's death, the visiting delegation resolved that the room would now be reserved for Dr Oburu Oginga, who currently serves as the ODM Party Leader.
The visit comes as the Odinga family and ODM continue to navigate the political legacy of Raila Odinga, with the party and family holding activities to commemorate his legacy ahead of the first anniversary of his death later this month.
The meeting between the Odinga family delegation and Oparanya therefore places renewed attention on the longstanding Luo-Luhya political relationship and the role of senior political figures in maintaining those ties ahead of the 2027 elections.
