{
  "id": 6052456,
  "title": "Barasa to Oparanya: Your campaign against me will not succeed; I have the people",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/barasa-to-oparanya-your-campaign-against-me-will-not-succeed-i-have",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T22:31:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/barasa-to-oparanya-your-campaign-against-me-will-not-succeed-i-have-the-people"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has rejected the campaign waged against him by his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, asserting that he is not deterred and still enjoys the backing of the people. Addressing supporters in Mumias East on Sunday, Barasa told Oparanya to desist from his political vendetta, claiming his standing with residents remains unshaken by the opposition. Barasa maintained he garnered the people's support and seemed unperturbed by the rising political tensions between him and Oparanya, who previously served as Kakamega's governor before joining the cabinet. “This governor is one who did an honorable job, but he says this and that, and says he will become governor and become an MCA. I am free from such nonsense, but I move on and the people,” he said. The clashes erupted a day after Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), appealed to President William Ruto to mediate and assist in resolving the growing discord between Barasa and Oparanya. Atwoli, during a UDA aspirant’s forum on Saturday, underscored the importance of unity within Kakamega County's leadership. Atwoli pointed out that both Barasa and Oparanya have a commendable record during their governorship terms and urged them to mend their ways to work together and support President Ruto's bid for re-election. Despite Atwoli's mediation, the rift between Barasa and Oparanya persists, with the ODM leadership, led by Oburu Odinga, visiting Kakamega to hold a reconciliation meeting between the two leaders - yet, the outcome has been unsatisfactory. The tension between the two leaders intensified at the Linda ground consultation meeting in Kakamega, where two separate events were conducted, one under Oparanya's leadership and the other by Barasa. The disagreement's origins trace back to the aftermath of the 2022 General Election when Barasa assumed the Kakamega governorship position, following Oparanya's guidance. However, their relationship soured after Barasa's victory, leading to a series of falling outs. Oparanya has also accused Barasa of contributing to his troubles with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), suggesting that Barasa orchestrated the EACC's raid on his residence in 2024. Barasa has faced increasing isolation within Kakamega's political circles, with several prominent figures distancing themselves from him. He also finds himself at odds with Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera, who claims he was democratically elected as the county chairperson but alleges that Barasa obstructed his campaign. Despite attempts to reconcile at the Oburu Oginga-led meeting at the Kakamega Golf Club, the rift with Nabwera remains unresolved, leading him to declare a political \"wantam\" against Barasa for the upcoming 2027 General Election. Barasa is also at odds with his deputy governor, Ayub Savula, although Savula recently defended Barasa against criticisms from the Oparanya, Muhanda, and Nabwera factions.",
  "summary": "Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has hit back at his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, declaring that he is not intimidated by the campaign against him and insisting that he still enjoys the support of the people. Speaking during a stopover in Mumias East on Sunday, August 6, 2026, Barasa told Oparanya to leave him alone, saying no […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Barasa rejects Oparanya's campaign, asserting people's support remains unchanged.",
    "Oparanya accused Barasa of contributing to his troubles with the EACC.",
    "Political rift persists despite reconciliation attempts by ODM leadership."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}