How Oparanya-Barasa tussle could weaken ODM

The rift between former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his successor, Governor Fernandes Barasa, is increasingly playing out in public, raising fears of internal cracks in ODM in one of its strongest regions.

Once bound by a mentor-protégé relationship, the two leaders now appear to be drifting apart, threatening ODM’s grip on Kakamega county.

The fallout has seen rival camps hold parallel party activities, sending mixed signals to grassroots supporters.

Oparanya, Kakamega’s first governor, is widely credited with introducing Barasa to frontline politics.

Barasa rose steadily under Oparanya’s mentorship and emerged as his preferred successor as Oparanya exited office after two terms.

That endorsement helped Barasa clinch the governorship. However, the relationship has since strained, with the two no longer seeing eye to eye.

Differences over leadership style, political strategy and control of local power bases have reportedly widened the rift.

The divisions were laid bare when the two leaders led separate ODM Linda Ground forums.

Oparanya’s forum was held on January 18, 2025 at his Mabole home in Butere and was spearheaded by Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, who is seeking to challenge Barasa.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, an Oparanya ally, also attended. Nabwera has disputed last year’s ODM Kakamega party polls in which Barasa was declared county chair.

He claimed the elections were rigged and has continued to proclaim himself chair.

At the Mabole meeting, Oparanya appeared keen to demonstrate his influence, calling allied MPs to the stage, many serving second or third terms.

He took subtle digs at Barasa despite endorsing him over his long-serving deputy Prof Phillip Kutima.

Barasa responded by convening his own Linda Ground forum in Kakamega Town.

ODM Minority Leader Junet Mohamed endorsed Barasa.

“Barasa is the party’s leader in Kakamega,” Junet said.

“I am the one in charge of elections in ODM and after grassroots elections, Barasa was the winner.”

He urged dissenters to use party and legal mechanisms.

Political analysts warn the standoff could weaken ODM’s cohesion.

“As two of the party’s most influential figures, their disagreements risk deepening factionalism,” analyst Daniel Orogo said.

Fred Sasia warned that prolonged infighting could undermine mobilisation and offer openings to rival parties.