Oparanya Faces Leaders’ Wrath For Claiming Raila Has Lost Western Grip

KAKAMEGA – Political temperatures in Western Kenya have flared after former Kakamega Governor and current Cabinet Secretary for SMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, declared that ODM leader Raila Odinga has lost his political sway in the region.

Oparanya, speaking on Friday at an empowerment event hosted by Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, said Odinga’s influence in Western politics had waned and would be of little help to Governor Fernandes Barasa in his 2027 re-election bid.

“What makes you think Raila Odinga will come and help you get votes here in Kakamega? I know Raila more than you think you know him, and he will not help you,” Oparanya said, in remarks made before National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and several MPs.

The statement drew immediate backlash from Governor Barasa, who accused Oparanya of undermining Odinga’s legacy despite having benefited immensely from his support.

“With all due respect, you are the last person who should question Odinga’s influence in Western Kenya. Raila has held your hand for a very long time in your political career,” Barasa said on Saturday while addressing mourners at the burial of Mama Grace Nyona in Likuyani Constituency.

Barasa went further, suggesting Oparanya’s cabinet appointment was secured through Odinga’s backing. “If you think he is not influential enough, then resign from the position he helped you get. If not for him, then you would not be serving in the cabinet right now,” he added.

The Kakamega governor also defended his own political standing, warning Oparanya against belittling his chances. “I want to tell our elder Oparanya that you underestimate Barasa at your own risk. I was elected by the people, and we are focused on service delivery. When politics come, we will hit the road,” he said.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe also joined the fray, cautioning leaders against dismissing Raila’s role in the country’s politics. “Raila has been a very respectable leader in this country for decades. Baba, wherever you are, know that we support you and respect you as our party leader,” Mugabe said.

The row between Oparanya and Barasa is the latest episode in an escalating power struggle within ODM in Kakamega, which widened after the hotly contested county chairmanship elections where Barasa defeated Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera—an ally of Oparanya.

The fallout has since split the party into rival camps, with Barasa’s allies rallying behind him, while Oparanya leads a faction grouped under the so-called “G-8” umbrella.

Analysts say the feud reflects a deeper battle over Western Kenya’s political future as Odinga eyes retirement from frontline politics, leaving room for new power brokers to emerge.