Kakamega Governor Barasa Warns ODM SG Sifuna Against Disrupting Local Events

Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa has issued a sharp warning to ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna, saying there will be no ODM meeting held in Kakamega this Saturday and vowing to block any attempts to disrupt local activities under the guise of the Linda Mwananchi Tour.

In strong remarks on Friday, Barasa dismissed suggestions that the national ODM leadership would be welcome in Kakamega, and challenged the party’s secretary‑general over what he described as plans that would interfere with county events.

“As the Governor of Kakamega, I know there is no ODM meeting that will be happening in Kakamega on Saturday. We will not allow anybody to disrupt our activities in the name of the Linda Mwananchi Tour,” Barasa said.

He directly addressed Sifuna, warning that his team would not be permitted to operate in the county. “I will not allow Sifuna and his team here, huku sisi wote tushaamua ni TUTAM. Iyo upuuzi yake ya Wantam apeleke huko kwao Bungoma!” Barasa added, using Kiswahili to emphasize local resolve against what he labelled as unfounded plans by the party’s national leadership.

Barasa’s comments appear to reflect ongoing tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the county level, as the party prepares for a series of grassroots engagements and rallies ahead of the general elections.

Attempts to reach ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna for a response were not immediately successful.