ODM Kakamega Elections Rescheduled to September 1 Amid Vote‑Method Dispute

The ODM party in Kakamega County has postponed its internal elections for county‑level officials, setting September 1, 2025 as the new poll date. The delay follows a breakdown of consensus between two rival camps over the voting method — whether to use a secret ballot or the traditional queue (mlolongo) system.
The contest for the post of county chairperson features current Governor Fernandes Barasa on one side and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera on the other. Barasa’s faction supports queue‑style voting, while Nabwera’s insists on a secret ballot, arguing it guarantees fairness. The disagreement paralysed the initial schedule of the elections.
Party leadership has called on members to remain orderly and abide by internal rules ahead of the rescheduled exercise. The outcome in Kakamega is seen as pivotal for ODM’s organisational strength in the region ahead of the upcoming general election.