Nabii Nabwera Declares Victory in Kakamega ODM Chair Contest Despite Official Results

Political tension rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kakamega on Tuesday after Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera declared himself the duly elected ODM Kakamega County Chairperson, despite official results showing Governor Fernandez Barasa had clinched the seat.

Speaking moments after the polls at Iguhu KMTC, Ikolomani, Nabwera dismissed the announcement made by Returning Officer Felix Ngala and Presiding Officer Hon. Violet Ananda of Orange House, insisting that ODM delegates had entrusted him with a “resounding mandate.”

“My deepest gratitude goes to the gallant ODM delegates of Kakamega County for entrusting me with a resounding mandate as your new County Chairperson. You have spoken with one voice, and your overwhelming confidence in me is both humbling and electrifying,” Nabwera declared.

He hailed the outcome as “a triumph of every delegate, every branch, and every loyal foot soldier who yearned for fresh, progressive, and people-driven leadership.”

Nabwera further vowed to immediately embark on countywide branch tours to consolidate his support.

“From next week, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow elected leaders, we shall storm every branch, rekindle the spirit of unity, and breathe new life into our great Movement. Together, we shall grow, strengthen, and safeguard the Orange flame until it burns brighter than ever before,” he told jubilant supporters.

However, Nabwera’s declaration came in sharp contrast to the official tally, which awarded the chairmanship to Governor Barasa. The results had been endorsed by ODM election officials on site, who confirmed Barasa as the legitimate County Chair.

Party insiders noted that the dispute sets the stage for a possible showdown within ODM’s Kakamega branch, with calls for mediation already emerging to avert divisions.