Kakamega’s Turbulent Political Climate: Governor Barasa’s Call for Restraint on CS Oparanya
On Sunday, September 14, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa made headlines during a church service, calling on President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to intervene in the political activities of Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Barasa suggested that if Oparanya cannot stay focused on his duties, then he should be dismissed from his position entirely.
Tensions in Kakamega County
Governor Barasa’s statements reflect growing tensions within Kakamega County’s political landscape. He accused Oparanya of leveraging local leaders, particularly Members of Parliament, to voice his dissatisfaction regarding his cabinet role. This maneuver, Barasa argued, only serves to sow discord among local factions and weaken the Democratic unity that has been painstakingly built in the region.
A Call for Accountability
Emphasizing the importance of accountability, Barasa stated, “This CS thinks that every day he will be coming here to disturb us. We are tired now.” He urged President Ruto to remove this “burden” if Oparanya is unable to contribute positively to Kenya’s governance. Barasa’s remarks illustrated his frustration, suggesting that the role originally meant for fostering unity seems to have become a source of division instead.
Political Shake-Up and Internal Conflicts
The governor expressed concern that Oparanya’s behavior has not only led to personal embarrassment for himself but has also triggered a significant political shake-up within the ODM party and the county at large. “You were given a job through the Broad-Based Government so that you may unite the whole of the Western Region, but because he is not happy with his job, he is sending some MPs to tell the president that he wants to be the Treasury CS,” Barasa claimed, highlighting the impact of Oparanya’s grievances on local governance and party harmony.
Oparanya’s Defensive Stance
In a counterpoint, Oparanya defended his position on September 13, criticizing the ongoing leadership wrangles within the Kakamega ODM chapter. He warned that such divisiveness risks tarnishing the party’s reputation, especially as the 2027 General Elections approach. The CS called for greater unity among party members, emphasizing that internal strife could jeopardize the ODM’s effectiveness at a critical time.
Oparanya reaffirmed his loyalty to the ODM, despite stepping down from leadership roles within the party. He decried the recent election of Kakamega Chief as the county ODM chair, labeling the election process as irregular and contrary to party protocols. “According to the law, you cannot be a CS and an ODM official,” he noted, indicating his struggle to balance political loyalty with his responsibilities as a member of the cabinet.
The Broader Implications for ODM
The ongoing tensions among party officials are indicative of a broader challenge facing the ODM as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. Barasa and Oparanya’s conflicting narratives illustrate the cracks emerging within the party structure, demanding immediate attention if the ODM hopes to maintain cohesion and unity among its ranks.
As the political landscape in Kakamega becomes increasingly fraught with friction, the call for leaders to focus on their responsibilities rather than engage in disruptive politics resonates deeply within the community. The developments that arise from these discussions in the coming months could very well shape the trajectory of both the ODM and the political stability of Kakamega County.
The Political Future of Kakamega
With both Barasa and Oparanya firmly rooted in their respective positions, the resolution of this conflict may largely depend on higher authorities within the ODM and the national government. The stakes are high, as the cohesion of the party and the effectiveness of local governance hang in the balance. For now, Kakamega County remains a focal point of political intrigue and potential transformation in Kenyan politics.