Former Mumias East Member of Parliament Benjamin Washiali has come out to back Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa for a second term in 2027.

While speaking during a funeral in Mumias East, where the governor was present on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the outspoken former legislator heaped praise on Barasa, saying that he deserves a second term.

He went on to state that, as the Abawanga people, they have already made a firm decision that Barasa must serve for 10 years, insisting that it is the community’s stand.

“We, as the Abawanga community, have already made a resolution that Barasa is a Tutam governor; there is nothing else to add on and that is our resolve.” Washiali said

Washiali is the first Kakamega politician to openly endorse Barasa for a second term. In most instances, he has been operating as a lone figure, especially after his fallout with Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, with the two often exchanging sharp words.

Barasa has accused his predecessor—who supported him in 2022 to clinch the top county seat—of massive corruption during his tenure and of trying to interfere with county functions even after leaving office.

On his part, Oparanya has blamed Barasa for being behind his troubles with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which saw officers from the agency raid his home in an attempt to investigate him over alleged corruption during his time as governor.

Barasa-Oparanya fallout

The fallout led to Oparanya, who enjoys the support of a majority of MPs in the county, endorsing Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda to challenge Barasa in 2027.

Barasa is also not in sync with Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, with whom he fell out during 2025’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) county chairmanship elections. Nabwera, who is aligned with Oparanya, protested that the party polls were rigged in favour of Barasa.

The feud between Barasa, Oparanya, and Nabwera escalated during the Linda Ground Kakamega chapter, where they held separate meetings in different locations, all attended by the ODM party leader, Oburu Odinga.

The Oparanya-Nabwera faction held their meeting at the cooperative’s CS’s home in Butere, attended by 11 Kakamega ODM MPs led by the woman representative. Meanwhile, Barasa led a separate Linda Ground rally at Kakamega Golf Club.

Malala-Muhanda pact

This also comes at a time when Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has expressed willingness to partner with Elsie Muhanda to ensure Barasa does not secure a second term.

He stated that to unseat Barasa, they must approach the gubernatorial race as a united front. A move that Elsie has welcomed.

Washiali’s Mumias East comeback

Benjamin Washiali, who in 2022 chose not to defend his parliamentary seat—paving the way for Peter Salasya to defeat former Sports CS Rashid Echesa—also announced his return to Mumias East constituency politics.