Governor Barasa demands ODM deputy party leader seat in fresh power push
By Mustafa Juma, May 10, 2026Governor Fernandes Barasa has intensified the growing leadership debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after openly declaring that Kakamega now wants the party’s deputy party leader position.
Speaking to residents in the Nanyeni area of Matungu Sub-County on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Barasa said leaders from Kakamega believe the region deserves greater influence within ODM’s top leadership structure.
“Sisi Kakamega tunataka kiti ya deputy party leader wa ODM,” Barasa stated during the public address.
The position was previously held by Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya, who left after joining the executive in a broad-based government arrangement between the ODM party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
While Oparanya’s counterpart Hassan Joho, who also left the position to join the executive, was replaced by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nasir, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was picked as a Western Kenya replacement.
However, his role was short-lived, as he was kicked out after being considered a rebel over his links to the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM party.
Internal ODM competition
The remarks come amid heightened tensions within ODM following recent changes affecting several senior party figures, including the removal of Osotsi as ODM Deputy Party Leader.
The leadership changes have sparked debate within the party, particularly in Western Kenya, where some leaders have expressed concern over what they see as the sidelining of regional figures.
Winnie Odinga’s interest
Leaders and delegates of the ODM party in Nairobi have also formally endorsed East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga for the position of Deputy Party Leader.
The Nairobi ODM delegates cited the need to strengthen representation of the capital within the party’s top leadership.
Speaking during a consultative meeting of ODM delegates drawn from Nairobi’s 17 constituencies on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Makadara Member of Parliament (MP) George Aladwa said the city has long lacked a clear representative at the party’s upper decision-making levels, a gap leaders now want urgently addressed.
According to Aladwa, the region lacks a representative at the party’s top level since the death of its leader and founder, Raila Odinga.
Barasa backs Oburu-led ODM leadership
During the same address, the Kakamega governor declared support for Oburu Oginga, saying Kakamega leaders recognise his leadership within the party.
Barasa also dismissed concerns recently raised by Oparanya regarding the treatment of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders linked to the Western region.
According to Barasa, ODM leaders should focus on strengthening the party and supporting broader political goals rather than dwelling on internal disputes.
Oparanya has cautioned that ODM risked weakening its popularity in Western Kenya if perceived expulsions and removals of leaders continued.
He argued that grassroots supporters were increasingly unhappy over the treatment of figures such as Sifuna, Osotsi, and Caleb Amisi, saying it was becoming difficult to mobilise support under such circumstances.
The former Kakamega governor further warned that divisions within the party could undermine ODM’s strength in one of its traditional support bases.