Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has expressed delight after being elected as the new ODM Kakamega County Chairperson, following a highly charged delegates meeting held on Monday, August 25, 2025.
The venue was filled with excitement as supporters welcomed the governor’s victory with enthusiasm. Every statement he made was met with chants and cheers, setting the tone for his maiden address to the delegates.
In his remarks, the governor assured party members that under his leadership as county chair, the Orange Democratic Movement would work tirelessly to secure all elective positions in Kakamega, from members of the county assembly to the presidency, on the party’s ticket.
He also pledged unwavering loyalty to the ODM national leadership, stressing that the county remained firmly aligned with the party’s vision. His declaration was met with overwhelming approval from the delegates, who responded in unison with jubilation.
The governor further used the occasion to appeal for the support of ODM members in his bid for a second gubernatorial term in 2027, stating that his focus would be on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures to ensure its dominance in the region.
“Honoured by the trust of ODM Kakamega delegates who have elected me as ODM Kakamega County Chairperson. Together, we now roll up our sleeves to strengthen our party ahead of 2027. Chama iko imara,” Barasa stated.
The election saw the governor face stiff competition from Lugari MP Nabil Nabwera, who had also expressed interest in the position. However, the governor emerged victorious, securing the confidence of the delegates to steer the party’s affairs in Kakamega ahead of the 2027 general election.
Delegate Elections
This comes after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) conducted county delegate elections on August 25, 2025, across 43 counties in Kenya, excluding Nairobi, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Busia, where the polls were postponed indefinitely due to logistical challenges.
The elections, overseen by the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chaired by Emily Awita, were intended to strengthen ODM’s internal leadership structures and prepare the party for the 2027 General Election, with a strong emphasis on transparency and democratic practices.
Aspirants were required to pay varying nomination fees, ranging from Ksh1,000 for non-executive positions to Ksh10,000 for chairperson posts, while membership verification was conducted through *483036#.