Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during the launch of last mile connectivity project in Malava on July 3, 2025/COURTESYKakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has cautioned visiting politicians against introducing tribal or divisive politics into the county.
He urged them to instead prioritise unity and development over political posturing.
Speaking in Malava during the launch of a rural electrification project in Butali/Chegulo and Chemuche Wards, Barasa said it was unfortunate that some leaders are moving around the region sowing discord and stirring up ethnic sentiments.
“Let leaders mind their counties. Kakamega is not a playground for tribal politics. We are focused on service delivery, not empty noise,” Barasa said.
He particularly took on his Trans Nzoia counterpart, George Natembeya, alleging he was attempting to export divisive tribal politics into his county.
“Let Governor Natembeya focus on his county. He should stop poisoning Kakamega with tribal politics. We are not interested in empty noise or political experiments,” Barasa said, in a thinly veiled response to Natembeya’s remarks during the opposition rally held in Kakamega.
The rally, led by opposition including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former CSs Fred Matiang’i and Justin Muturi, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, featured scathing attacks on the current government and its allies.
During the event, Natembeya criticised the Raila-Ruto handshake and Barasa’s leadership in Kakamega.
"Kenyans should be allowed to criticise the government. Those people who acquired Mumias sugar, Nzoia and Pan paper, we are giving them a warning that when we take power, we shall reclaim them," he said.
Barasa, however, defended the working relationship between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, calling it a strategic partnership for peace and development.
“We are here to work. This partnership is about bringing power, roads, water, and jobs to our people,” he said.
He emphasised that Kakamega residents are more interested in tangible progress than political theatrics.
The project, targeting 152 households in its initial phase, is jointly funded by the national government through REREC and the Kakamega County Government, which has committed Sh30 million.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who graced the event, praised Barasa as a results-oriented leader and commended the ongoing projects in Kakamega.
Barasa also cited major county achievements in infrastructure, health, and education, and urged residents to enrol in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) and BarasaCare for affordable health services.
“Kakamega will not grow through noise or tribal slogans, but through real work. We are here to light up homes, schools, and businesses. We stand for development, not distractions,” Barasa declared.
The event was attended by local MCAs, county executives, and senior national and county government officials.
