Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has declared his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, citing a shared commitment to development.
Speaking during a women empowerment programme in Kakamega County, the governor said leaders who value development would back the president to continue delivering on national goals.
“As governors who value development, we will walk with the president in the development path because Kenya is one,” Barasa said.
He emphasised the need to prioritise the country’s progress over tribal politics, commending MPs for their unity.
“I want to thank our MPs, because they said they don't want tribal matters and therefore took part in taking home Gachagua,” he stated, referring to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s removal.
Governor Barasa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development, particularly in empowering women in Kakamega through infrastructure and education initiatives.
“We are working with the government to bring development to the women in Kakamega through the installation of electricity, the construction of roads, and ensuring that children get the chance to go to school,” he said.
He pledged to allocate Sh60 million to women in each sub-county, saying he would personally oversee the distribution.
“I will walk in each sub-county allocating those funds because I care for them,” he said.
Barasa also cautioned against individuals opposing women's empowerment efforts in the county.
“There are people who want to stop women empowerment in Kakamega, but I won’t allow that,” he stated.
The County Government of Kakamega has allocated Sh255 million to Social Services, Sports, Youth, and Gender initiatives, with a significant share targeting women and marginalised groups.
Earlier, Governor Barasa attended the Likuyani Women Empowerment Programme hosted by MP Innocent Mugabe, where funds were raised to support 110 women's groups, aligning with the governor’s agenda of structured funding and capacity building.
