Kakamega Governor’s Barasa Reappointment of Fired CECs Exposes Leadership Weaknesses

Governor Fernandes Barasa’s decision to reinstate three previously sacked County Executive Committee Members (CECs)—Godfrey Owori, Benjamin Andama, and Livingstone Imbayi—has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised serious questions about his leadership capabilities. The trio, dismissed last year for alleged poor performance, are now back in the fold, prompting residents and analysts to wonder if this U-turn reflects indecision, a dearth of talent, or a troubling reliance on political expediency over public interest.

Barasa’s administration made headlines in 2024 when he axed half his cabinet, including the three CECs, accusing them of failing to meet their mandates. At the time, the governor framed the purge as a bold step toward improving service delivery in a county grappling with crumbling infrastructure, underfunded healthcare, and persistent corruption allegations. Yet, the sudden reappointment of Owori, Andama, and Imbayi has left many scratching their heads. “If they were unfit then, what’s changed now?” asked Jane Amunga, a Kakamega resident and small business owner. “This feels like a government without a plan.”

The move has fueled speculation about Barasa’s ability to assemble a competent team. The reinstated Finance CEC, Livingstone Imbayi, reportedly lacks a formal background in accounting, a glaring red flag for a county with a complex budget and a history of financial scrutiny. Similarly, the Health docket, already strained by under-resourced hospitals and poor service delivery, now falls under an official with no evident expertise in the field. Critics argue that sidelining experienced figures like Dr. Mariam Were and Dr. Bernard Wesonga—both let go in earlier reshuffles—represents a squandered chance to retain proven talent.

Political observers see the reappointments as a symptom of deeper leadership frailties. “This isn’t just about bringing back old faces; it’s about a governor who can’t seem to chart a consistent course,” said Dr. Peter Oloo, a governance expert based in Nairobi. “Reinstating dismissed officials without a clear justification undermines credibility and suggests a lack of viable alternatives.” Some point to political pressure as a possible motive, noting Barasa’s rocky relationship with his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, as potential influences on his decision-making.

The administration’s woes extend beyond the CEC saga. Barasa’s earlier dismissal of 10 chief officers sparked a bitter standoff with the County Public Service Board (CPSB), leading to a power vacuum that forced the governor to centralize duties. This has resulted in noticeable delays in project implementation and service delivery, with residents complaining of deteriorating roads and stalled development initiatives. “We’re seeing a government stretched thin, unable to function effectively,” said Moses Luvutse, a local activist. “The governor’s focus seems to be on survival, not solutions.”

Public frustration is palpable. Kakamega’s hospitals remain plagued by shortages of staff and supplies, while corruption allegations continue to dog the county. Yet, rather than addressing these crises, Barasa’s administration appears caught in a cycle of dismissals and rehiring, eroding trust among a populace desperate for progress. “We elected him to fix things, not to play musical chairs with his cabinet,” Amunga added.

The county’s media liaison, Mr. Juma, pushed back against this narrative, calling reports of leadership weakness “misleading and opinionated.” In a statement to The Weekly Vision, he warned that unsubstantiated claims could face legal scrutiny, though he offered no specific defense of the reappointments. The lack of a detailed explanation from the governor’s office has only deepened public skepticism.

Barasa’s tenure has been marked by turbulence since he took office in 2022, from clashes with the CPSB to a summons by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over a KETRACO scandal during his prior role. His latest move reinforces a perception of a leader struggling to balance political survival with effective governance—a challenge not unique to Kakamega but starkly evident here.

As the county awaits Barasa’s next steps, the reappointment of fired CECs stands as a glaring indictment of his administration’s direction. Kakamega’s residents, yearning for a government that delivers results, are left with a lingering question: Can this leadership rise above its weaknesses, or will it remain mired in a pattern of missed opportunities? The answer, for now, remains uncertain.