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Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa made an extensive tour of Ikolomani constituency yesterday amid reports he had entered a political deal with area MP Bernard Shinali.

Barasa and Shinali have been holding a series of guarded meetings in the past week, raising speculations that the governor preferred the MP as his running-mate in the 2027 elections.

The meetings started immediately Senator Boni Khalwale officially declared his interest in the governorship.

Dr Khalwale met former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in Imabole, Butere constituency a week ago during which the ODM deputy party leader declared his support for the Senate Majority Whip.

Shinali is doing his third term as MP after succeeding Khalwale in 2013 and the duo is never at ease politically. Deputy Governor Ayub Savula appears to have been isolated from major county events since he was stripped of his portfolio as the CEC for Trade.

Political analysts yesterday said the county chief appears to be restless with Savula due to his abrasive style of administration.

Another position

“The 2027 politics have started in earnest and I think Governor Barasa is looking for a safe pair of hands not to just guarantee him a second term but also give him enough peace to deliver his pledges in the event that he is re-elected,” Fred Wesonga, a local political commentator said .

He added; “Shinali is doing his third term as a Member of the National Assembly and I am sure he is also ambitious and seeking to occupy another position in future. That is why he comes handy for Barasa because he can easily help him secure another term then comfortably succeed him thereafter.”

Shinali, however, downplayed the speculations, saying his meetings with Barasa were strictly centred on development.

“We just came from an election a year ago and what we are doing now is seeking to work together for the good of our people who we both serve. I know there can be all manner of speculations but I am contended with serving as MP for Ikolomani,” he told People Daily.

Shinali could not, however, reveal his plans for 2027 only saying “time will tell”.

Barasa launched several development projects in Ikolomani, among them tarmacking of 10-kilometre roads in each of the four Wards.

“I am working very closely with my brother and friend Hon. Shinali to ensure we develop Ikolomani and entire county together,” he said, but avoided touching on the speculations.

Political alignments are already taking shape in the county with the governor appearing to have an upper hand for now as he has the highest number of MPs and MCAs on his side.