Speaking at a casual gathering in his Butere home area, Oparanya told locals that he was not afraid of losing his position, insisting that his service to the people would continue even outside government.
“I am not afraid of being fired,” he reportedly said, as his supporters cheered in response.
The remarks came amid speculation that President William Ruto is preparing a major shake-up in his administration.
Reports from Nairobi suggest that several ministers could be dropped for underperformance or political realignments within Ruto’s government.
The cabinet, which was expanded last year to include members of Raila Odinga’s ODM party, is said to be under review to create space for new political allies.
Oparanya, a two-term former governor of Kakamega and a close ODM ally, told residents in Swahili that he would always stand with them whether or not he remains in office.
“Even if I leave this job and retire, we will still walk together,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
His message, according to attendees, reflected his strong grassroots support in Western Kenya, where he has been vocal about reforming cooperatives and eliminating cartels in the coffee industry.
The Butere meeting also highlighted his focus on youth empowerment programs and small business support under the Hustler Fund initiative. However, the event came at a politically tense moment.
Sources claim the reshuffle could see new faces from Gideon Moi’s KANU joining the cabinet after a unity deal with Ruto earlier this month.
Moi recently met the president at State House, with insiders revealing that negotiations are ongoing for key government slots.
Adding more interest to the unfolding drama, there are whispers that Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, might also be considered for a cabinet role.
During her father’s funeral, she hinted at wanting to serve locally, which many interpreted as a subtle appeal to Ruto’s administration.
Analysts believe such moves could help Ruto strengthen his support base ahead of the 2027 election, even as tensions grow among existing cabinet members.
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