Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's Monday victory as Council of Governors chairman could jeopardise Deputy President William Ruto's 2023 presidential ambitions, argues Richard Bosire.
The second term ODM governor, who also doubles as ODM party deputy leader, floored five others to be crowded the forth governor to chair the powerful council since the inception of devolution in 2013.
Oparanya said: "I am honoured and humbled for the election as Council of Governors chairman. I will work towards strengthening devolution through development. We shall also support the National Government to deliver on the Big Four agenda." https://twitter.com/GovWOparanya/status/1084836482253312001?s=19.
Despite Jubilee Party super control of the council, Oparanya sailed through, beating projected winner Salim Mvurya of Kwale, a close ally of DP Ruto as well as Jackson Mandago and Ann Waiguru, both who work closely with the DP.
But Mokua believes the magic of the handshake could have worked miracles, adding that the victory could injure Ruto's plans of using counties to spearhead his 2022 presidential ambitions.
"CoG will play an integral role in our succession politics. By having Oparanya at the helm, the DP could struggle in stamping his authority. You need to rally governors on your side to have realistic chances of taking over.
"I suspect that the handshake could have worked to Oparanya's advantage. He closely works with Raila and this will allow ODM to easily mobilise resources and support. Ruto needed this council badly," he argued.
Last year, Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok managed to have his term extended following intervention by DP Ruto, who reportedly hoped to have Mvurya taking over this year.
Also, Nanok, who doubles as ODM Vice Chair, has lately been working with Ruto and may have fallen out of favour among the Orange party supporters and leaders.
Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria will be the Council's Vice Chair while Makueni County boss Kivutha Kibwana will take over as the chief whip.
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