Rift Widens in ODM as Kakamega Governor Barasa Slams CS Oparanya Over Political Interference

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has taken aim at ODM heavyweight and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, accusing him of meddling in county politics—a move that is deepening cracks within the party ahead of crucial upcoming contests. Barasa argued that Oparanya, despite being appointed to a national role, continues to prioritise local power plays, particularly by rallying MPs to support his personal ambitions.
Barasa specifically criticised Oparanya for accepting the Cooperatives and MSMEs docket when he allegedly aimed for the Treasury portfolio. According to the governor, instead of uniting Western Kenya leaders as intended, Oparanya has used his national office to destabilise ODM’s Kakamega leadership. He called on President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to rein in the CS, warning that his actions risk embarrassing both the government and the party by undermining internal cohesion.
The fallout has split Kakamega’s political elite. While Barasa has affirmed his control as ODM county chair, critics aligned with Oparanya argue that the governor is reacting out of political insecurity. The Star Observers say these public exchanges expose a deeper identity struggle within ODM: between local leadership’s expectations and national actors’ ambitions, a dynamic that could reshape power structures in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on whether the party’s national leadership steps in to mediate this increasingly personal feud. If the conflict persists, it could undermine ODM’s grassroots strength in Kakamega—and by extension, its campaign momentum in the region. The next few weeks could determine whether unity or division defines the party’s local strategy.