Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed claims of a political rift with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, insisting that his focus remains on national duties rather than county politics.
Speaking in an interview with TV47, Oparanya, who served as Kakamega Governor from 2013 to 2022, said he had no reason to interfere with the affairs of the county. He maintained that his relationship with Barasa was not strained, despite allegations of involvement in local political disputes.
“What is there for me to be involved with in Kakamega? I have enough work as a Cabinet Secretary. I have nothing to do in Kakamega,” Oparanya stated.
The row between the two leaders is said to have stemmed from the recent ODM chairmanship elections in Kakamega. Barasa was elected county chair after his rival, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera—allegedly backed by Oparanya—walked out of the repeat polls with his camp, protesting the voting method.
Barasa’s camp emerged victorious, but the contest left behind divisions among local leaders. Members of Parliament and MCAs have since engaged in public exchanges, further fueling speculation of a deeper rift.
Leaders allied to Barasa have accused Oparanya of creating divisions within ODM and urged him to focus on development initiatives. On the other hand, Oparanya’s allies argue that Barasa has failed to respect the CS, despite Oparanya being his political mentor.
The Kakamega Governor has gone further to accuse Oparanya of undermining ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s influence in the Western region. He suggested that Oparanya’s current role in government was largely due to Raila’s political support.
Despite the heated exchanges, Oparanya has emphasized that he holds no rivalry with Barasa, saying that as long as the Governor continues driving development in Kakamega, he has no reason to interfere.
