Oparanya and Barasa lead separate ODM Linda Ground forums in Kakamega amid growing rift
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 18, 2026The rift between Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has widened after they held separate Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Linda Ground forums in the county.
The first Linda Ground forum, spearheaded by Oparanya and a team allied to him, was held on Sunday, January 18, 2025, at his Mabole home in Butere.
The event was led by the county Woman Representative, Elsie Muhanda, who is seeking to challenge Barasa in the coming elections, together with Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who is also at odds with Barasa following last year’s disputed ODM Kakamega party polls.
Barasa was declared the duly elected county chairman, a result Nabwera protested, claiming the elections were rigged in Barasa’s favour and insisting that he was the rightful winner. Since then, Nabwera has proclaimed himself the ODM chairman in Kakamega.
This saw the ODM party leader Oburu Odinga land at Oparanya’s home, where he was welcomed by the former governor and his faction before proceeding to grace the high-voltage party event.
The forum is part of consultative talks that could see ODM join hands with UDA as part of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
A separate Linda Ground meeting is being held in Kakamega Town, spearheaded by Governor Fernandes Barasa. The event is set to begin with a delegates’ meeting at Kakamega Golf Club and culminate in a rally.
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga is expected to grace both events after attending the Oparanya-led Butere function.
Wanga’s blunder
The rift between the two was evident during Oparanya’s forum at his Mabole, Butere home when Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga mistakenly referred to Oparanya as Barasa.
This sparked an uproar among delegates, who had painted the venue orange and appeared largely allied to the Cabinet Secretary, with some rising from their seats in protest. She later corrected herself, which calmed the atmosphere.
During his address, Oparanya took subtle digs at Governor Barasa, whom he introduced to the political scene in 2022 and endorsed for the gubernatorial seat, sidelining his own deputy, who had served alongside him for ten years during his tenure as governor.
Attacking Barasa
He began by calling MPs allied to him onto the stage, most of whom are serving their second and third terms in the National Assembly, to emphasise the support he enjoys in Kakamega County.
He further stated that leaders are not blind or foolish to follow him in large numbers.
The rift between the two has also seen Oparanya endorse County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda to challenge Governor Barasa in the 2027 elections.
ODM Kakamega delegates have urged Oburu Odinga to step in and address the crack in the party.