- Oparanya has termed as saboteurs governors skipping Azimio rallies.
- Barasa attended the Azimio public baraza in Kakamega alongside Oparanya.
Image: HILTON OTENYO
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has told off his predecessor Wycliffe Oparanya, insisting county chiefs must work with the national government for the sake of development.
The governor regretted that Oparanya was telling governors allied to the Azimio coalition to shun President William Ruto's administration yet he worked closely with retired head of state Uhuru Kenyatta.
Barasa fired back at Oparanya over his recent attacks on governors whom he said are fond of visiting State House yet they have enough resources to realise development without partnering with Ruto's government.
"Under the inter-governmental relationship policy, governors must work with the national government to promote development and good relationships. As for me, I will work with the government of President Ruto towards achieving key infrastructure development projects in Kakamega County,” Barasa said.
Barasa, who spoke when he launched the distribution of subsidised farm inputs in Kakamega, said Oparanya was able to develop the county because he worked closely with Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said Oparanya should also allow other elected leaders to work with the national government to get enough resources to scale up development in their counties.
Barasa pointed out that the Kakamega County Level Six flagship project initiated by Oparanya will only be completed and make meaning if he collaborates with the national government.
“The shareable revenue from the National Treasury was not enough for robust development in the counties and the county chiefs have a responsibility to lobby from other sources,” he said.
The latest attacks could signal the beginning of a frosty relationship between Barasa and Oparanya with the former county boss censuring governors snubbing Azimio rallies.
Oparanya has termed as saboteurs, governors who have skipped Raila'a rallies across the country.
Barasa attended Raila's Azimio public barasa in Kakamega.
"I was a lawmaker for 10 years, I also became a governor for another 10 years and I delivered without going to State House. Governors have a county budget. Why should they be running to State House for development?" Oparanya posed.
At least five governors have skipped the anti-government rallies organised by Riala in eight counties since January.
They include Vihiga’s Wilbur Ottichilo, George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia), Paul Otuoma (Busia), Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos).
Oparanya, who is also the ODM party deputy leader, backed Barasa's election as Kakamega governor against his former allies including ex-deputy governor Phillip Kutima.
Raila, the ODM party leader, also campaigned for Barasa.
Raila has termed President Ruto's administration as illegitimate and has called for mass action beginning next week.
Barasa joins a growing list of governors allied to Azimio and who have expressed willingness to work with Ruto's administration.