Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, has expressed concern over Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya’s conduct since joining the national government.

Barasa said Oparanya, who had served as Kakamega governor for ten years, seems to be struggling with his new role and has yet to fully embrace his national mandate.

Speaking on party matters, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, Barasa noted that Oparanya had aimed to be appointed as CS for the National Treasury, a position that eventually went to John Mbadi.

Instead, Oparanya was given the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, a role intended to unite Kakamega and Western Kenya leaders. According to Barasa, Oparanya has been using MPs to push his personal ambitions, telling them that he wanted the Treasury job.

“Kinara wetu wa chama cha ODM ni Raila Odinga. Na Raila anatambua chairman mmoja peke yake; ambaye ni Fernandes Barasa. Nataka kuambia with all due respect, wale wabunge ambao wanapotoshwa na CS ambaye hajaridhika na kazi ambayo alipewa. Wewe umepewa kazi, umefanyiwa heshima na hii broad-based…kama waziri ili uunganishe wana Kakamega wote na wana Western wote,” Barasa said.

“Lakini kwa sababu hujaridhika na hiyo kazi anatuma wabunge, anawaambia ambia rais mimi ilikuwa nataka kuwa waziri wa fedha.”

Leaders urged to intervene

Barasa appealed to both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to intervene and remind Oparanya of his duties. He emphasised that the CS should avoid embarrassing himself and the party by pursuing personal interests through legislators.

“Sasa wewe umefanyiwa heshima umepewa uwaziri ili uweze kuunganisha wana Kakamega. Saa hizi anatumia wabunge ili kuvuruga chama cha ODM. Mimi nataka kuambia rais; you must call your CS Oparanya to order,” he said.

“Kwa sababu sisi hapa Kakamega sisi tuko kwa ground. Mimi nataka kuambia waziri, with all due respect, you must avoid embarrassment. Tunajua wewe unatumia wabunge to achieve your personal interests. Na mimi nataka kuambia Raila Odinga, na Ruto, you must call your minister to order.”

Barasa himself has recently been confirmed as the ODM county chairperson in Kakamega after a closely contested election. The party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee dismissed reports suggesting the Kakamega County Coordinating Committee elections had been annulled, stating that Barasa legitimately retained his position.