CS Wycliffe Oparanya Reportedly on the Chopping Board as Cabinet Reshuffle Nears
As whispers of a Cabinet reshuffle grow louder, all eyes are on CS Wycliffe Oparanya — is his once-sterling political star dimming fast?
Credible sources indicate that the Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary may be on the chopping board as President William Ruto prepares a major government shake-up this week.
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Credible sources have indicated that Wycliffe Ombetsa Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, could be among senior government officials targeted in an impending Cabinet reshuffle expected before Wednesday.
According to insiders, President William Ruto is preparing to make sweeping changes within his administration to remove what has been described as “lukewarm and non-committed” Cabinet and Principal Secretaries. The reshuffle is expected to bring in loyal allies and trusted defenders of the President’s agenda.
If confirmed, Oparanya’s dismissal would mirror the 2019 case of former Sports CS Rashid Echesa, who was dismissed during the Uhuru-Raila handshake era after he was accused of disrespecting ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Sources within political circles suggest that Oparanya’s fallout with Raila Odinga may have contributed to his precarious position. The former Kakamega Governor has in recent months faced criticism from ODM loyalists who accuse him of undermining party structures and leadership in the region.
Some of the actions said to have angered ODM leadership include:
Defying Party Consensus: Oparanya is reported to have appointed Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera as Kakamega ODM Chairman, despite the party having endorsed Governor Fernandes Barasa for the role.
Undermining Party Candidates: He allegedly encouraged a Kisa East Ward MCA aspirant to abandon the ODM ticket, an act seen as sabotage by party insiders.
Skipping Key Party Events: Oparanya was notably absent from the ODM 20th Anniversary celebrations in Mombasa and Kisii without offering an apology.
Tensions with Governor Barasa: His relationship with Governor Barasa — a close ally of Raila Odinga — has been described as strained.
Public Criticism of Raila: Last month, Oparanya made headlines after reportedly calling Raila a liar during a public event.
Political observers note that should Oparanya be dropped from the Cabinet, he may opt to join Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s TAWE Movement, a new political outfit seeking to consolidate Western Kenya’s political voice outside the ODM structure.
The looming reshuffle has intensified speculation within government and political circles, with analysts suggesting that President Ruto may use it to assert firmer control over his administration while rewarding loyalty ahead of 2027.
For now, all eyes remain on State House as the nation waits to see whether Wycliffe Oparanya’s political fortunes will indeed take a decisive turn in the coming days.
