Barasa retains Kakamega ODM chair post as primaries stall
Western
By
Benard Lusigi
| Aug 25, 2025
Governor Barasa addressing ODM delegates and supporters at Bishop Stamp in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has retained his seat as Orange Democratic Movement County Chair after party primaries in Lurambi stalled over disagreements on the voting method.
The delegates meeting convened at Bishop Stam in Lurambi on Sunday failed to agree on whether to use a secret ballot or open voting, forcing the suspension of the election.
“We have been here since morning and failed to agree on the voting system, so the sitting chairperson remains in office,” one delegate said.
Governor Barasa, who now continues as chair until further notice, insisted the party must protect its independence.
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“Our delegates have decided that our party shall not be sold to other parties. We want free and fair elections going forward,” he said, urging ODM’s national leadership to ensure credible polls.
He also assured ODM leader Raila Odinga of his commitment to keep the party strong in Kakamega.
"I want to tell my party Leader, Raila Odinga, that ODM is strong and as the chairperson, I'm going to ensure it remains vibrant and visible," he said.
The primaries had also attracted Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who has been accused by ODM insiders of enjoying support from former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
“I am seeking this position so I can unite the people of Kakamega county in one voice in this party,” Nabwera said.
Party members claim Nabwera is being used to weaken Barasa’s influence and give Ford Kenya room to grow as a regional Luhya party.
The rift deepened recently when Nabwera and several Kakamega MPs skipped a delegates’ meeting attended by Raila Odinga, only to show up the next day at an event organised by Oparanya.
"Nabii has never missed attending the Speaker's function similar to that organised by CS Oparanya; it is clear he is a man on a mission. He missed a party event attended by our party leader, but he came from nowhere to vie for the County chairmanship position. They are afraid of the party’s popularity in Kakamega under the stewardship of Governor Barasa, and they are trying to downsize the governor," a delegate pointed out.
Oparanya, who has clashed with Barasa, is said to be positioning himself for a new political vehicle or alliance with Wetang’ula, with Barasa viewed as a stumbling block.
Barasa was first elected county chair in 2023 in a contested process.
Since then, he has launched a drive to open ODM offices in all 12 constituencies as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence in Kakamega.