Wycliffe Oparanya, Kenya’s Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary, has played down calls from Western Kenya legislators urging him to deputise President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. Appearing for a media interview in one of the local media houses, the former Kakamega governor said he was not entertaining political ambitions. “I’m comfortable at the moment serving as Cabinet Secretary,” Oparanya told the station. They argued that his track record — from two terms as Kakamega governor to his current cabinet role — proved his credentials. In Khwisero Sub-County, where the declaration was made during a Uwezo Fund disbursement, the lawmakers pledged to rally Western voters behind Oparanya.