Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has come out to protest 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, has, 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.

Voting process

Nabwera added that Governor Barasa chose to boycott the exercise after sensing the likelihood of an overwhelming defeat. He further noted that the electoral team, comprising the Presiding Officer, Returning Officer, and other officials, resolved to conduct the polls through a secret ballot, but Barasa insisted on using the outdated mulolongo (queue) system.

“The electoral team, comprising the presiding officer, returning officer, and their officials, resolved to conduct the polls through a secret ballot. Governor Barasa, on the other hand, insisted on using the outdated mulolongo (queue) system.” He added.

Nabwera revealed that this disagreement sparked agitation among a section of Barasa’s supporters, who disrupted the process, forcing the electoral body to suspend the elections.

“This divergence sparked agitation among a section of his supporters, who eventually disrupted the process, compelling the electoral body to suspend the elections. Despite the disruption, delegates from across Kakamega have vowed to return in even greater numbers to guarantee a decisive and pragmatic outcome when the elections are reconvened.” He added

Barasa celebrating win

On the hand, Barasa, after the election, celebrated his win, dismissing all side shows and vowing to make the party more popular by making sure that all elective seats go to the Orange Party, starting from the Member of County Assembly to the Governor.

By the time of this publication, ODM had not released the official results of the polls or any communication in regards to issues raised by Nabwera.