Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has named the person he would like to succeed him as he approaches the end of his second and last gubernatorial term.
The county boss has named his deputy Philip Kutima as his successor after the 2022 elections, a declaration likely to cause a political storm in the county.
The county boss who has been silent on the succession debate which is already taking shape has hailed Kutima as a good and cooperative deputy.
On Friday, Oparanya said that though he would like Kutima to take over from him, it remains the job of the electorate to decide. He made the declaration in Kutima's Malava backyard.
"I have done my work and now the ball is in your court," he told Malava residents during the homecoming ceremony of Deputy Speaker Leonard Kasaya.
"I have had a cordial working relationship with him (Kutima), unlike other counties where overambitious deputy governors are seeking to oust their bosses," he added.
On his side, Kutima rubbished claims that Oparanya has been silent on his successor, terming this his fifth endorsement from the ODM deputy party leader.
He expressed confidence in clinching the seat, also being eyed by Senator Cleopa Malala, his successor Boni Khalwale and National Assembly Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali.
“It is not the first time Oparanya has indicated he will stand with me. It is almost the fifth time he has done so and I believe we will carry the day,” Kutima is also quoted.