Barasa, Nabwera camps clash over ODM Kakamega chair seat

Delegates celebrate the election of Governor Fernandes Barasa as Kakamega County ODM./KNA

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has clinched the ODM county chairmanship position after being endorsed by party delegates.

Governor Barasa was declared the ODM chair by Returning Officer Felix Ngala and party officials led by Violet Ananda, both from Orange House.

Barasa pledged to keep the party visible and vibrant in Kakamega, with a focus on ensuring ODM secures majority seats in the 2027 general elections.

He also unveiled the new Kakamega County ODM executive team: Nelson Majimbo as Deputy Coordinating Chairperson, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe as Coordinating Secretary, Butere MP Tindi Mwale as Coordinating Organising Secretary, Ben Mukoto as Coordinating Treasurer, MCA Gladys Mukongolo as Women Leader, Ernest Keya as Youth Leader, Rosemary Makonjio representing persons with disabilities, and Rose Atieno as Special Interest Representative.

However, the elections were thrown into disarray when delegates allied to Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Barasa’s rival for the seat, walked out of the venue at KMTC Ikolomani. They accused Barasa of scuttling a free and fair process.

Nabwera later declared himself ODM chair for Kakamega, claiming endorsement from his delegates at a separate public rally. He was flanked by Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe and Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala.

“The process was flawed. It is unfortunate that the party has been penetrated by goons. Our party leader Raila Odinga has always said ODM promotes democracy, and once defeated, leaders should accept,” Nabwera said.

From left to right; MPs Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Elsie Muhanda (Women Rep) backing Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera (right), who declared himself ODM chair./KNA

The elections had earlier been marred by chaos last week, forcing postponement until September 1. Even then, the process was delayed from morning until evening before Nabwera staged his walkout.

He accused unnamed leaders of inciting youth against delegates and vowed to return the party “to its owners.” “This party fought for the opening of democratic space. Unfortunately, some leaders whom ODM sponsored are now turning against the very people,” Nabwera added.

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali announced that his group had taken over the leadership of the party, promising to strengthen ODM in the county.

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala said they would “stand in the gap” and ensure Kakamega residents are served under ODM.

Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka called on party leader Raila Odinga to intervene in the wrangles, warning that internal divisions were threatening ODM’s strength in the county. He also urged respect for Luhya leaders.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe expressed support for Nabwera’s camp, saying they would remain firm and back him in steering the party “in the right direction.”

Nabwera outlined a series of activities his team would undertake, starting with a delegates’ meeting in Khwisero next week, followed by another in Lurambi Constituency.

Meanwhile, Barasa’s supporters celebrated his victory at the official venue, insisting that the endorsement and announcement by ODM election officials gave him the legitimate mandate.

They lauded his promise to make ODM the dominant political force in Kakamega ahead of the 2027 polls.

The twin declarations now set the stage for a protracted battle for control of the ODM leadership in Kakamega, with both camps claiming legitimacy.