PRESS RELEASE: Kakamega ODM delegates declare support for Oparanya’s Cabinet nomination, condemn EACC

RESOLUTIONS OF THE KAKAMEGA COUNTY ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (ODM) PARTY DELEGATES MEETING HELD ON 2ND AUGUST, 2024 HILL SCHOOL GROUNDS, KAKAMEGA

1. That the Kakamega County ODM Party Delegates express unconditional support for the Broad-based Government by H.E the President Hon. Dr. William Samoei Ruto to foster inclusivity, professionalism and national unity.
2. Kakamega County ODM Delegates thank our Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga for allowing leaders from our party to serve in the Broad-based Government, a great sacrifice and symbol of patriotism.
3. The ODM Delegates of Kakamega convey our gratitude to President Ruto for nominating Governor Emeritus Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya to Cabinet as CS for Cooperatives and MSME’s and wish him success in his new role.
4. We read manifest malice in the EACC’s persistent refusal to clear Hon. Oparanya for appointment as CS in the absence of any formal charges having been labelled against him.

It is instructive to note that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who has the sole constitutional mandate under Article 157 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 has decided to close the file on account of insufficient evidence to sustain the charges fronted by the EACC.

Further, Article 157(10) of the Constitution is clear that the DPP shall not in the exercise of his powers or functions be under the direction of any person or authority.

We thus condemn the EACC’s biased and discriminatory demeanor in handling Hon. Oparanya and urge the National Assembly to approve his nomination for appointment.

5. We therefore congratulate all ODM leaders who have been nominated for the positions of Cabinet Secretaries and extend well wishes for their success in their respective roles.
6. On behalf of all ODM Party Members of Kakamega County, we once more wish our Party Leader Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga success in his bid for election as the African Union Commission Chairperson in the forthcoming February 2025 polls.
7. Cognizant of the social democracy established by ODM Party in Kenya and the unwavering loyalty and political support of our members and the people of Kakamega County, we appeal to the Party Leadership to reserve the position of the Deputy Party Leader, previously held by Governor Emeritus Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, for Kakamega County.
8. While recognizing the commendable progress made in establishing and operationalizing grassroots party offices, we have committed to enhance further the vibrancy and visibility of the Orange Democratic Movement Party in Kakamega County through continuous membership recruitment exercises; and by ensuring our party offices are fully operational within 3 months.
9. Moving forward, we have resolved to revamp our Party Structures and commit to cascading meetings to all Branches. This initiative aims to enhance coordination and communication within the Party at all levels.
10. We as ardent members of ODM call upon the Party Leadership to allow us amicable time to resolve the leadership concerns at the County Assembly of Kakamega through consensus. We call upon all our Members of County Assembly with differences among themselves to quickly reconcile and strive to work together in delivering quality services to the people of Kakamega.

Thank you and may God bless Kenya

H.E Fcpa Fernandes Barasa, OGW.,

Chairman County Coordinating Committee
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party
Kakamega County.