Ian Oparanya, the son of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, has criticised older political leaders in Western Kenya, accusing them of failing to create space for young people in regional politics.
Ian argued that the region’s youth were increasingly feeling excluded from political decision-making because established leaders continued to dominate engagements with President William Ruto.
According to Oparanya, the situation was evident in the political mobilisation around Ruto, claiming that few young leaders from Western Kenya were actively campaigning for the President.
“The main thing affecting the Luhya Nation is these old leaders. They are not giving the youth a chance to lead,” he said.
He questioned whether the region’s established politicians were effectively communicating the concerns of young people whenever they met Ruto.
Oparanya claimed that the meetings between the President and older Western Kenya leaders had failed to produce meaningful interventions addressing the challenges facing the region’s youth.
“We, as the youth of western, are so tired of being left out because these old men are so selfish,” he said.
He further alleged that young people in the region were increasingly identifying with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna because they felt he represented their interests.
“Wanajaza tu matumbo yao. That’s why the youth of Western have all gone to Sifuna because that’s where they feel represented,” Oparanya said.
His remarks come amid continuing political efforts by leaders from Western Kenya to consolidate support among young voters, particularly ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oparanya also appealed to Ruto to engage directly with younger leaders from the region instead of relying predominantly on established politicians to communicate with the youth.
“President Ruto should stop sending these old men to speak to us,” he said, while arguing that the President was interested in creating opportunities for young Kenyans.
He maintained that older Western Kenya politicians were allegedly standing between Ruto and the region’s younger population.