ODM Warns Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa Over Leadership Dispute

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has warned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa about his public criticisms of the party’s decisions on assembly leadership disputes.

Following a Central Committee meeting, ODM expressed concern over Barasa’s actions, viewing them as disrespectful to party leader Raila Odinga.

The party emphasized the need for all members to respect its decisions and urged Barasa to refrain from disparaging the committee as he awaits an opportunity to present his case.

Tensions within Kakamega’s leadership continue to escalate.

Tensions Escalate As ODM Warns Fernandes Barasa

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has warned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa to stop publicly criticizing the party’s decisions regarding leadership issues in the County Assembly.

In a statement dated September 16, 2024, ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, Godfrey Osotsi, expressed concern over Barasa’s actions after a Central Committee meeting on September 11, 2024.

The committee met to discuss problems within Kakamega County, particularly the leadership conflicts at the assembly.

ODM stated, “The Central Committee of ODM met on September 11, 2024, to discuss various issues, including the situation in Kakamega County. We resolved that the County Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and former majority leader Hon. Maina must stop frustrating assembly members and implement the party’s recommendations on leadership.”

Following this resolution, ODM observed unwarranted attacks from Governor Barasa and his supporters.

They criticized the Central Committee and senior party officials at funerals, in the media, and at public gatherings.

Respect for Party Decisions

ODM emphasized the importance of respecting party decisions. They stated that Barasa’s actions disrespected ODM leader Raila Odinga, who chairs the Central Committee.

The party urged Barasa to refrain from disparaging ODM while he awaits his opportunity to present his case to the committee. ODM stated, “All party members must respect party organs and abide by their decisions.

They should avoid disparaging important committees, especially the Central Committee chaired by Rt. Hon Raila Odinga.”

Governor Barasa has been invited to address the committee he is currently criticizing. ODM cautioned that this behavior could hinder the proper resolution of the ongoing issues.

Summons Issued to Key Officials

The ODM Central Committee has summoned Governor Barasa, County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi, and former Majority Leader Philip Maina to discuss the assembly leadership disputes.

On September 11, 2024, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated that the three officials have frustrated the party’s decision to replace Maina with Geoffrey Ondiro as the majority leader.

This summons followed a petition from ODM MCAs to the Central Management Committee about the reorganization of assembly committees.

The ward representatives argued that proper procedures were not followed during the reshuffle, which aimed to remove those seen as unfriendly to the governor from leadership positions.

Sifuna concluded, “The party insists that the speaker must implement our directives immediately. All changes to committee membership and leadership are hereby revoked.”