Ayub Savula explains why Nabii Nabwera was unsuitable for ODM Kakamega chairmanship
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 30, 2025Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has launched a strong attack on Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, arguing that his loss in the recent ODM Kakamega chairmanship elections to Governor Fernandes Barasa was justified.
Speaking in Lugari on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Savula maintained that Nabwera was not suitable for the position, noting that his influence is limited to his constituency, unlike Governor Barasa, who commands countywide recognition. He explained that Barasa, by virtue of his position as governor, is able to tour all parts of Kakamega, launch county projects, and effectively execute his responsibilities both as county boss and ODM chairman.
Savula urged the first-term MP to focus on serving the people of Lugari and allow county leadership positions within the party to be held by individuals capable of representing the broader interests of Kakamega.
According to Savula, the outcome of the polls reflected the need for strong representation at the county level, which Governor Barasa is better placed to provide.
“Hujakaa bunge hata miaka, unaseema unataka kuwa ODM chairman wa Kakamega; county ina 12 subcounties, utaweza kweli? Mtu ambaye anaeza kuwa ODM chairman Kakamega county ni mheshimiwa Fernandez Barasa, kwa sababu yeye akienda Mumias anafungua ECDE centre; akienda Kwisero anafungua hospitali, na yeye atafanya nini?” Savula stated.
Nabwera’s loss
This comes days after Nabii Nabwera came out to protest on how the grassroots Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elections were conducted minutes after Governor Fernandes Barasa declared himself the ODM chair for the county.
Nabwera, who was battling Barasa in the race for the county party chairmanship, on Monday, August 25, 2025, released a statement following his loss in the party polls, accusing the governor of manipulating the process.
Nabwera explained that hundreds of ODM delegates from Kakamega County had convened at Bishop Stam with the agenda of electing the county party leadership, and responding to their call, he offered himself as a candidate for the position of County Chairperson.
“This afternoon, hundreds of ODM delegates from Kakamega County convened at Bishop Stam with the agenda of electing the county party leadership. Responding to their call, I offered myself as a candidate for the position of County Chairperson.” Nabwera stated.