The relationship between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and his predecessor Wycliffe Oparanya seems to be souring due to the absence of Azimio governors at the ongoing anti-government rallies by the opposition.
Mr Oparanya backed Mr Barasa to succeed him ahead of the ODM party nominations in 2022, to the disadvantage of his opponents who included then-Deputy Governor Philip Kutima. Mr Oparanya gave the former Ketraco CEO his full backing, which gave him victory.
However, now, Mr Barasa has told off his predecessor in a tiff over anti-government rallies organised by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga.
The Council of Governors’ Finance chairman has fired back at the ODM deputy party leader, saying all the 47 governors have a binding agreement to work with the government for the sake of development in their counties.
He said the equitable share from the National Treasury was not adequate for development projects in the devolved units as claimed by leaders supporting the ongoing Azimio rallies.
The top leadership of Azimio has raised concerns over a number of governors snubbing its rallies, sometimes even when they are the hosts.
Mr Oparanya has lifted the lid on the unease within the coalition and the county chiefs who are snubbing the rallies, calling on voters to deal with county chiefs who are undermining the coalition in the 2027 elections.
At least five governors have skipped the anti-government rallies organised by Mr Odinga in eight counties since January.
