Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa./FILE
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent comments while on tour in the United States, accusing him of undermining the very government he claims to want to lead.
Barasa took issue with Gachagua’s alleged discouragement of diaspora investment in Kenya, warning that such statements could harm one of the country's most crucial sources of foreign income.
“It is not fair to travel all the way to the USA just to tarnish the government of the day. This country benefits highly from diaspora remittances every financial year,” Barasa said.
He added, “You have shown you cannot lead this country because you are opposing remittances to the country, yet it’s of great support.”
Gachagua, during his U.S. tour, appeared to urge Kenyans abroad to withhold their investments from the country—remarks that sparked outrage among some leaders back home. The former deputy president held meetings with members of the Kenyan diaspora, primarily from his Kikuyu community.
Speaking at St Philips Mukomari Catholic Church in Isukha East ward, Shinyalu constituency, Barasa also questioned the intent behind Gachagua’s exclusive meetings with one ethnic group.
“By traveling to the USA to meet members of one community, Gachagua proved he lacks credentials to lead,” Barasa said.
The governor also took a swipe at politicians attempting to meddle in the operations of the newly sworn-in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He called for respect for the electoral body’s independence and urged leaders to let the institution perform its mandate without political interference.
“The IEBC is not a political player. Politicians should keep off its operations,” Barasa said.
The remarks come amid rising political tension as various leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election
