Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has made a direct appeal to former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to support his political journey, asking the veteran politician for his blessing as Linda Mwananchi stepped up its mobilisation campaign in Kakamega.
Speaking in Sabatia on Saturday, Sifuna told residents that his request to Oparanya was not about money but the former governor's goodwill and support as he charts his political future.
The senator recalled Oparanya's role in his political growth within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the former governor as a father who had helped nurture him in the party.
“Oparanya, I respect you greatly, but today I have come to Sabatia to ask for your vote. If you support Sifuna, we will not lose,” Sifuna said.
He also asked Oparanya to support him even if the former governor did not agree with the political choices he had made, saying the most important thing he wanted was his blessing.
“I am asking you to bless me as I embark on this journey, even if you do not agree with me. Just your blessing, not money. I am not asking you for anything else. I know you, too, hear the cries of the people,” he said.
The appeal was made as Sifuna, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale led the Linda Mwananchi team into Kakamega as part of its ongoing grassroots campaign.
The leaders started their day with a morning tea meeting before moving out to meet residents in different parts of the county.
Sabatia was the first major stop on their itinerary, with the leaders addressing residents and interacting with the crowd as they sought to strengthen their grassroots network in Western Kenya.
A sizeable crowd gathered during the engagement, as the team continued its push to win support in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The campaign was scheduled to continue at Isulu Market and Shinyalu Market before the leaders head to Kakamega Central Business District for a major rally later in the day.
The Kakamega programme comes a day after the Linda Mwananchi team visited Busia County, where its leaders held a number of engagements with residents as part of the same mobilisation drive.
Through the visits, the leaders are seeking to grow the group's presence at the grassroots while giving residents an opportunity to raise issues affecting them ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sifuna's appeal puts Oparanya's political standing in Western Kenya into focus as the former governor continues to feature in conversations about the region's political direction.
Oparanya served as Kakamega governor for two terms and remains an influential political figure in the region. He has also been associated with broad-based political arrangements and activities in Western Kenya.
The former governor has in recent times been mentioned among potential contenders for the position of Ruto's running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Before joining President William Ruto's Cabinet, Oparanya served as ODM's deputy party leader.
His possible candidature has also attracted support from some political leaders, among them ODM National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
Junet has backed Oparanya as a possible choice for Ruto's running mate, citing his political experience, administrative record and influence in Western Kenya as reasons he could be suited for the country's second-highest office.