Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa is finding himself at odds with ODM’s top command after publicly attacking the party’s handling of county politics and assembly leadership. The tension escalated when ODM’s Central Committee summoned Barasa, along with the County Assembly Speaker and a former majority leader, over accusations of undermining party decisions and obstructing leadership changes.
The root of the dispute lies in ODM’s directive to replace Philip Maina as majority leader, a move that Barasa and his allies resisted.
Barasa has repeatedly accused the party of micromanaging county affairs, arguing that the executive authority of elected county officials should not be dictated by party elders.
Meanwhile, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, who previously governed Kakamega, has clashed openly with Barasa, with each side accusing the other of attempting to manipulate county-level seats for personal gain.
In response, ODM’s national leadership has urged Barasa to stop publicly undermining the party and to appear before the Central Committee to explain his actions.
The escalating showdown has sparked fears of a deeper divide within ODM in Kakamega, a key area in Western Kenya. Political watchers warn that if left unaddressed, the conflict could weaken the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general election.