Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is facing a dilemma over whom to back in his ODM party after two of his close allies declared themselves winners in the Kakamega County party elections.
The election, held on Monday, September 1, 2025, to pick officials for the Kakamega County Coordinating Committee, has ignited tensions within the party after Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa both declared victory in the race for County Chairperson.
Chaos marred the grassroots polls in Kakamega, leading to a disputed outcome. Despite Governor Barasa being declared the county chairperson, a rival faction led by the Lugari Legislator also claimed victory in an exercise characterized by violence and a display of political might.
The faction led by MP Nabii Nabwera, Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, and other lawmakers staged a walkout after disagreements over the election modalities, particularly the voting method.
ODM Politicians Declare Themselves Winners
The Nabwera faction boycotted the process, demanding a secret ballot.
Their exit left the new returning officer, Felix Ngala from Orange House in Nairobi, and presiding officer Violet Ananda to declare Barasa the winner after the Nabwera faction boycotted the process.
Also Read: ODM MP Explain How They Favour Nyanza Region Silently Since Taking Over Key Positions
Immediately after being declared the winner, Governor Barasa issued a statement thanking Kakamega residents for electing him as the ODM County Chairperson.
“Kakamega County ODM delegates have once again placed their trust in me by electing me as the ODM County Chairperson during today’s polls at Iguhu KMTC, Ikolomani, overseen by Returning Officer Mr. Felix Ngala and a team from Orange House led by Presiding Officer Hon. Violet Ananda. I remain steadfast in protecting our party from disruptive elements and committed to keeping ODM strong, vibrant, and prepared for 2027 and beyond,” Barasa said.
Party Issues Statement After Both Poll Dispute
On his part, Nabwera, who also declared himself the winner, dismissed the results and accused Barasa of using goons to influence the election.
“We will return the party to its rightful owners. This party has fought for the opening of democratic space, but it is unfortunate that it has now been infiltrated by goons. Those whom the party sponsored into leadership positions are turning against the same people by unleashing violence on them,” Nabwera stated.
Also Read: Ruto, Raila Showdown Looms as UDA Defies ODM After MP’s Death
With both politicians insisting they won, the ODM party has stepped in to calm tensions. In a notice dated Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the party stated that it would post the official results later that day.
“The election of the Kakamega County Coordinating Committee was held yesterday (Monday, 1/9) as directed by the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) after the exercise was aborted last Friday (29/8). Results of the election will be posted here in the course of the day,” the party announced.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
