How Oparanya is using ex-MCAs to position himself for 2022

Image result for Uhuru and Oparanya

2022 Succession politics started early, and several leaders have shown interest in the top most political seat.

They include Second term Governors and some Members of Parliament. Among the MPs is Gatundu South legislator Moses Kuria, who seems to be working towards being President Uhuru Kenyatta’s heir.

Governors Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho and Amason Jeffer Kingi have also shown interest in succeeding President Kenyatta.

In what is seen as Governor Oparanya’s preparation for the 2022 polls, Kakamega government has hired former MCAs

Oparanya has declared his interest in the presidency. He is serving his second and final term as the county chief. The Constitution allows only two terms for the governorship. 

Image result for Uhuru and Oparanya

The county administration has deployed 16 of the former ward representatives as community subcounty administrators in charge of the county youth and women empowerment programmes.

The devolved unit will spend Sh800,000 a month on their monthly salaries, with each earning Sh50,000. 

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya at the county government headquarters

Residents question why such money cannot be invested in crucial sectors such as health, agriculture or early childhood development and education. They say some county employees are underpaid, despite their critical roles. An ECDE teacher, for instance, earns Sh8,000 a month.

Some politicians have, however, welcomed the move. Former nominated MCA Alex Khamasi said former ward reps have been suffering and deserve to be considered for jobs.

At the 2017 election, residents voted out 45 of the 60 ward representatives who had been elected in 2013. They accused them of nonperformance. 

Yesterday, some of those considered for the posts confirmed their appointments. Others declined to comment for fear of reprisal. 

Besides the new positions, the county has employed 12 subcounty administrators, 60 ward administrators and recently hired 400 community unit administrators.

Yesterday, Senator Cleophas Malala said the creation of new positions for political cronies amounts to an abuse of office.

He plans to have the Senate summon County Public Service Board chairperson Rodah Masaviru to cast light on the public service structures that were issued by the Transition Authority.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala on May 9, 2018

He cautioned the county government against digressing from its core devolution mandate by rewarding friends and political loyalty using taxpayer money.

Do you think Oparanya can outshine his revivals, among them Deputy President William Ruto in 2022?

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