Governor Barasa declared ODM Kakamega County chairman
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 1, 2025Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has officially been declared the ODM County Chairman following the party elections held on Monday, September 1, 2025.
The announcement was made by Returning Officer Felix Ngala, together with a team from Orange House led by Presiding Officer Violet Ananda. Delegates drawn from all constituencies in Kakamega unanimously endorsed Barasa for the position.
In the race for the county chairmanship, Governor Barasa had faced stiff competition from Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera. The earlier round of voting ended in Barasa’s favour, but Nabwera protested the outcome, citing claims of irregularities and incidents of violence allegedly linked to the governor’s camp.
Despite the disputes, Barasa emerged as the undisputed county chairman after the polls. In his first address after the declaration, he expressed gratitude to the delegates and reassured members of the party’s unity in Kakamega. He emphasised that ODM remains solid in the county despite attempts to portray internal divisions.
Barasa pledged to safeguard the party against disruptive elements and committed himself to strengthening ODM’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election. He promised to ensure that the party secures all elective seats in Kakamega, from the ward level to the gubernatorial and parliamentary contests, while also maintaining a strong presence on the national stage.
“Kakamega County ODM delegates have once again placed their trust in me by electing me as the ODM County Chairperson during today’s polls at Iguhu KMTC, Ikolomani, overseen by Returning Officer Mr Felix Ngala and a team from Orange House led by Presiding Officer – Hon. Violet Ananda. I remain steadfast in protecting our party from disruptive elements and committed to keeping ODM strong, vibrant, and prepared for 2027 and beyond.” Barasa said.
Controversies in the county polls
Fernandes Barasa was first elected as the party chairman in the county in 2023. During this year’s election, the governor had advocated the voting to be done by consensus or the mulolongo system, where delegates line up as a means of electing their officials, which is line with the partys constitution.
Nabii Nabwera, on his part, vehemently rejected this system and was backed by all the Kakamega MPs pushing for a vote through the secret ballot.