Speaking during an event on Friday, May 22, 2026, Natembeya claimed that unnamed political forces are working behind the scenes to engineer Oparanya’s exit from government before positioning him as a presidential candidate in a move he believes is designed to weaken opposition unity in the region.
According to the Trans Nzoia governor, the alleged plan is intended to fracture ODM support in Western Kenya by encouraging the formation of a separate regional political outfit that would compete against the main opposition movement.
Natembeya argued that such a strategy could create divisions among leaders and voters who have traditionally rallied behind ODM and opposition politics in the region.
He further claimed that the scheme seeks to isolate Oparanya politically before portraying him as a victim of internal party disagreements in order to attract sympathy and consolidate support for a new political movement.
The governor alleged that the broader objective is to convince Oparanya to align himself with disgruntled ODM figures and eventually launch an independent presidential bid ahead of the next election cycle.
While addressing supporters, Natembeya warned leaders from Western Kenya against falling into political traps that could weaken the region’s bargaining power nationally.
He urged politicians to remain united and avoid strategies that may create unnecessary divisions within opposition ranks.
The remarks are likely to intensify political debate within ODM and the wider opposition coalition as succession politics and early alignments for the 2027 elections continue to take shape.
Oparanya, who currently serves as Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, remains one of the most influential political figures in Western Kenya and has previously been viewed as a key link between the government and ODM leadership.
His position in both national politics and the opposition has often sparked speculation about his future political ambitions, particularly after his appointment to the Cabinet under the broad-based government arrangement.
Natembeya’s comments now add another layer to the growing political conversations surrounding alliances, regional influence and leadership succession ahead of the next General Election.