Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has recently made headlines with his strong critique of Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, asserting that Nabwera’s defeat in the recent ODM Kakamega chairmanship elections was entirely justified. This dispute underlines ongoing tensions within the party and highlights the dynamics of political influence in Kakamega County.
During a public address in Lugari on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Savula articulated his views on why he believes Nabwera does not possess the requisite qualities to lead the party in Kakamega. He emphasized that Nabwera’s influence is largely confined to his constituency. In contrast, Governor Fernandes Barasa, as the county’s executive leader, has a wide-ranging reputation and responsibilities that allow him to connect with constituents across Kakamega.
“Governor Barasa travels throughout the county, launching various projects and thus establishing himself in all twelve sub-counties,” Savula stated. This claim reflects Barasa’s active engagement in the community and his ability to address county-wide issues effectively. Savula urged Nabwera to devote his energy to local governance instead of vying for a position that requires broader appeal and capabilities.
Nabwera’s Candidacy and Election Outcome
Nabwera’s recent loss has not gone unnoticed. Following his defeat, he publicly expressed discontent regarding the conduct of the ODM’s grassroots elections. Just moments after Governor Fernandes Barasa declared himself the new ODM chair for Kakamega, Nabwera voiced his grievances, alleging manipulation in the electoral process.
Nabwera described a gathering of hundreds of ODM delegates as they convened at Bishop Stam to elect new party leadership, indicating a level of enthusiasm and support for his candidacy. He saw his decision to run for the position of County Chairperson as a response to the call of party delegates, suggesting that he felt there was a movement within the constituency that backed his leadership.
However, the unfortunate outcome sparked evident frustration, as Nabwera accused Barasa of exploiting his position to sway the election results. This narrative of alleged manipulation underscores the complexities of internal party politics and the challenges faced by candidates like Nabwera who aim to disrupt established leadership.
As the dust settles from the elections, the implications of this political discourse remain palpable. The contrasting perspectives between Savula and Nabwera highlight a critical dialogue about the qualities required for effective leadership within ODM Kakamega. In Savula’s view, the focus must shift towards representatives who can engage the larger county’s electorate, thus reinforcing his stance that Barasa is better suited for the role.