DNK International By Alex Otunga,Kakamega.
Political temperatures are rising in Kakamega pitting the incumbent governor Farnandez Barasa and Woman representative Elsie Muhanda who were both elected on ODM party but now find themselves in different sides because of unfulfilled promises according to Muhanda.
She’s already challenging Governor Barasa’s performance, accusing him of failing to deliver on his campaign promises, particularly in regards to stalled projects and poor healthcare services in Kakamega.
Elsie has also criticized Barasa for not utilizing the county’s revenue effectively, citing the poor state of roads in Kakamega town despite traders paying taxes and levies.
Elsie too accuses Barasa on a number of notable failures that include,Financial Mismanagement where Kakamega County has been plagued by financial irregularities, including discrepancies in reconciliation statements, unsupported expenditures, and unrecovered imprests.
For instance, the county had Shs 1.5 billion in pending bills, with Shs 1.2 billion outstanding from as far back as 2016.
She further says that Kakamega county has many Stalled Projects,Several projects initiated by the county government during Wyckliffe Oparanya tenure remain incomplete, including the Emalokha Water Supply, Butwehe Intake Works, and Inyanya Water Supply Project.
These delays have hindered development in the region.
Curently the county is experiencing poor healthcare service where the health sector has been criticized for lacking basic drugs and equipment, with patients forced to buy medical supplies.
The governor has blamed the National Treasury for delays in releasing funds.
But it must be remembered that his predecessor Oparanya achieved alot including
Oparanya’s achievements as the governor of Kakamega County from 2013 to 2022 where he left a mark.
Some of his notable achievements included Healthcare.
He prioritized healthcare by improving and equipping health facilities, implementing healthcare programs, and providing affordable healthcare services to residents.
On infrastructure development Oparanya focused on constructing and rehabilitating roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects.
Concerning education,he worked to improve access to quality education, enhanced school infrastructure, and provided support to students through bursary programs.
About the backbone of the county which is Agricultural development,Oparanya supported farmers with resources, training, and access to markets.
As a governor on legislative achievements ,he assented to 50 bills into law, including the Kakamega County Finance Act, 2022, and the Kakamega County Persons with Disability Act, 2022.
Elssie has questioned his leadership weaknesses where Barasa’s leadership has been challenged by leaders from within the county particularly after reinstating three previously sacked County Executive Committee Members (CECs).
Governor Barasa had fired three County Executive Committee Members (CECs) – Godfrey Owori, Benjamin Andama, and Livingstone Imbayi in 2024, citing poor performance.
However, he later rehired them, sparking criticism and raising questions about his leadership.
The rehired CECs include, Godfrey Owori,Benjamin Andama,Livingstone Imbayi (Finance CEC, despite allegedly lacking a formal accounting background.
This move has led to speculation about Barasa’s decision making and ability to assemble a competent team.
On
political rift Barasa is also facing opposition from within his party, ODM, with some MPs calling for his resignation over alleged poor performance and mismanagement.
Elsie, who has been endorsed by former Governor Oparanya, is vying for the gubernatorial seat in 2027 and has vowed to take on Barasa.
Other leaders in Kakamega supporting Elssie include MPs from Navakholo, Khwisero,Butere,Mumias West ,Mumias East,Lugari and Likuyani who have pledged their surpport.
Elssie is also enjoying the support Of Nairobi Senator who is also ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
She’s not alone in this challenge, as other politicians like Senator Boni Khalwale , former senator Cleophas Malalaa and Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinani are also eyeing the seat.
Khalwale has full backing from Ikolomani and part of Kakamega town ,Shinali is only having support in Shinyalu,while Malala has his base in Lurambi and Kakamega town.
As things stand Elssie is leading the pack.
She has done a number of good project works within the county and has made significant strides as the Woman Representative for Kakamega County.
Some of her notable achievements include fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) where her office has handled over several GBV cases, and she’s advocated for perpetrators to face justice.
She’s also been pushing for a GBV center in the county.
She has also been empowering women and youth initiatives like “Panda Mbegu” and “Inua Vikundi” which have provided financial support to groups and promoting economic sustainability.
On education and Scholarships, She’s introduced scholarships like Tumaini, University, and Eagle Scholarships, supporting needy students, especially girls.
Concerning Healthcare,Plans to improve healthcare infrastructure and services, focusing on reducing maternal mortality rates.
Mama County on Water Provision she came up with The “60 Borehole, 60 Wards” program which aims to enhance access to clean water across the county.
About Supporting Vulnerable Groups,Secured housing for widows, widowers, and persons with disabilities, and donated car washing machines to boda boda groups.
She has also been donating tents to women groups to empower them which she helps them to acquire.
Muhanda accuses Barasa too of hiring goons to disrupt her meetings all over the county something she says is uncalled for and the governor should use those resources to empower the people of Kakamega.
Barasa, however, has fired back, warning his challengers to focus on their own seats rather than campaigning against him.
He claims to have a strong development record and believes he’ll be re-elected smoothly.
Its only time that will tell but for sure Kakamega is an opposition zone, the chances of Barasa being rejected are very minimal.
[DNK-International@March 10,2026]
