Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has publicly questioned the Cabinet appointment of Wycliffe Oparanya and warned that President William Ruto could lose His support in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 election.
Barasa spoke at a public event in Kakamega County. His remarks were shared by Standard Digital on Friday September 4.
Barasa is the current Governor of Kakamega and the ODM chairperson for the county. Oparanya is his predecessor who served two terms as governor of Kakamega and now serves as Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs.
Barasa has questioned Oparanya’s effectiveness as a Cabinet Secretary. He has argued that the position was meant to help unite the region and mobilize support for the national government.
He has further warned that if President Ruto continues to rely on Oparanya for political mobilization in Western Kenya, it could hurt his re-election prospects come 2027. According to Barasa, Oparanya lacks grassroots influence at present.
These statements were made in Kakamega County, a key voting bloc in Western Kenya. The region is considered critical for any presidential contest.
Barasa linked the issue to internal ODM politics and succession dynamics in Kakamega.
Barasa and Oparanya have had a long-running rivalry. The tension grew after the 2022 General Election. Both leaders have clashed over who should lead ODM in Kakamega County. Barasa was confirmed as county chairperson after a disputed party election. Oparanya challenged the process and maintains strong links to a section of local MPs.
The governor also has accused Oparanya of focusing on party wrangles instead of his Cabinet mandate. He said the CS should concentrate on delivering government programs and helping President Ruto gain support on the ground.
Oparanya was appointed to Cabinet in August 2024 as part of the broad-based government arrangement between Kenya Kwanza and ODM.
Within ODM, there has been discussion about fronting Oparanya as a possible running mate to President Ruto in 2027 if a pre-election agreement is reached. Barasa has opposed that idea.
He stated that the Luhya community has many capable leaders who could be considered for national office. He argued that Oparanya has divided Kakamega politics and should first work to unite his home base.
Oparanya has previously dismissed claims that he is interfering in county affairs. He has said he left county politics after his appointment and remains an ODM member focused on his ministerial role.
The exchange highlights a wider division in Western Kenya politics. One section of leaders is pushing for close alignment with the national government to secure development projects. Another section, including several senators and governors from the region, is calling for a more independent stance to preserve bargaining power.
For President Ruto, Western Kenya remains a strategic region. The outcome of the internal ODM contest in Kakamega could influence voter mobilization in 2027.
Barasa has maintained that his administration is working with the national government on development while defending his county party position.