A fierce leadership battle has erupted in Kakamega after two rival camps declared victory in the race for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) county chairmanship.
Governor Fernandes Barasa was officially declared the ODM chair by Returning Officer Felix Ngala, alongside party officials led by Violet Ananda from Orange House. Barasa pledged to keep the party vibrant in the county and unveiled a new ODM executive team that includes Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe as Coordinating Secretary, Butere MP Tindi Mwale as Coordinating Organising Secretary, MCA Gladys Mukongolo as Women Leader, and Ernest Keya as Youth Leader.
Barasa’s camp celebrated his victory, insisting that his endorsement by ODM election officials gave him the legitimate mandate. He promised to consolidate support and secure majority seats for ODM in the 2027 general elections.
However, the exercise was marred by chaos after delegates allied to Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera stormed out of the venue at KMTC Ikolomani, accusing Barasa of manipulating the process. Later, Nabwera declared himself the duly elected county chair at a separate rally, flanked by Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda and MPs Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), and Bishop Titus Khamala (Lurambi).
“The process was flawed. It is unfortunate that the party has been penetrated by goons. ODM has always stood for democracy, and once defeated, leaders should accept,” Nabwera said, accusing unnamed leaders of inciting youths to intimidate delegates.
His allies pledged to strengthen ODM under Nabwera’s leadership. Shinali declared his group had taken over party leadership in Kakamega, while Khamala vowed to “stand in the gap” for residents. Aseka called on ODM leader Raila Odinga to intervene, warning that internal wrangles threatened the party’s strength in the county. Nabwera also outlined a series of delegate meetings to consolidate his camp’s base.
The parallel declarations now set the stage for a bitter contest over ODM’s control in Kakamega, a key stronghold for the party. With both camps claiming legitimacy, the stalemate underscores the growing divisions that could shape ODM’s political future ahead of 2027.
