Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa faces political rift and cabinet reshuffle

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa is facing political tension in Lugari Sub-County as six Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have distanced themselves from his administration. The representatives cited frustrations regarding development and service delivery, though the rift is also viewed as a political realignment. The MCAs have reportedly joined forces with Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, creating an opposition front against the governor in the northern region of the county.

Recent tensions included a disturbance during a visit to Lumakanda that resulted in an injury to MCA Bernard Mulama. Additionally, the political divide was highlighted when the six Lugari MCAs attended a fundraiser with Nabwera, while Barasa attended a separate event without any MCA representation.

In a separate move to improve service delivery, Governor Barasa has also implemented a cabinet reshuffle. The changes involve the transfer of two County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and two chief officers across the Lands, Housing, Urban Areas and Physical Planning, Trade, Tourism and Industrialization, and Youth, Sports and Library Services departments.