Kenya Minute.
Sunday, 19 July 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 19 July 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Fernandes Barasa

Also known as: Governor Barasa · Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa · Governor Fernandes Barasa

Fernandes Barasa — Kakamega Governor, facing fraud allegations and calls for arrest over alleged gang ties.

2026-05-012026-07-19

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. The Standard

    The same applies to Wajir and other parts of the country," Lusaka said.Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said leaders from the Western region had agreed to mobilise residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 elections, with the region targeting four million registered vot

    Wetang'ula rallies Western region to support Ruto's 2027 bid
  3. Citizen Digital

    Court gives Governor Barasa final chance to provide records in Ksh.250M fraud case against Echesa By Dzuya Walter July 09, 2026 03:43 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter A side-by-side image of Kakamega Governo

    Court gives Governor Barasa final chance to provide records in Ksh.250M fraud case against Echesa
  4. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeFive health workers' unions have issued Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa with a three-day ultimatum to resolve a standoff over the signing of a long-awaited Recognition Agreement, accusing the County Attorney of frustrating the process and warning that they wil

    Barasa under pressure as health unions threaten countywide strike
  5. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and other leaders during a funds drive in aid of Friends Church Amalemba, on July 5, 2026.

    Wetangula, Duale rally western Kenya to back Ruto's 2027 re-election bid
  6. The Standard

    The leaders, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, claimed the alleged political scheme was driven by envy over what they described as the Kenya Kwanza adm

    Ruto allies claim Uhuru backs Western leaders to split Luhya vote
  7. Citizen Digital

    ead the delegation. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); Other leaders scheduled to attend include Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa

    Kenya Kwanza leaders head to Likuyani boda boda empowerment drive
  8. The Standard

    With the Assembly's approval, the Finance Bill now awaits assent by Governor Fernandes Barasa before becoming law and guiding revenue collection for the 2026/2027 financial year.

    Kakamega Approves Finance Bill, Targets Sh2.2bn Own Revenue
  9. June 2026
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeDemocracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala. [File] Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has called for the arrest of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa over alleged ties to criminal gangs.

    Malala wants Kakamega governor arrested over alleged gang links
  11. Capital News

    Gachagua’s visit is aimed at backing his deputy party leader Cleophas Malala in his bid to become the third Kakamega Governor by unseating incumbent Fernandes Barasa in next year’s polls.

    Ruto hosts Marsabit leaders as Gachagua tours Kakamega
  12. Citizen Digital

    Also expected to attend are Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, and Trade Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, among other national and regional leaders.

    'Two-term' leaders head to Butere for women, boda boda empowerment drive

Sunday 12 July

  1. Wetang'ula urges Western Kenya to back Ruto's 2027 re-election

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula campaigned in Bungoma County for President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, citing Kenya Kwanza administration achievements in infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, including the revival of Nzoia and Mumias sugar factories and settlement of terminal dues owed to former Pan Paper workers.

    12 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 9 July

  1. Court orders Barasa to provide records in Echesa fraud case

    Kibera Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has given Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa a final opportunity to provide financial records in a Ksh.250 million fraud case against former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and co-accused Joseph Waswa, who have denied all charges.

    9 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Kakamega health unions threaten strike over stalled recognition agreement

    Five health workers' unions have issued Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa a three-day ultimatum to resolve a dispute over a Recognition Agreement, threatening to withdraw services after a scheduled signing ceremony on Tuesday was derailed when the County Attorney and her legal team failed to attend.

    8 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 5 July

  1. Wetangula, Duale urge Luhya community to back Ruto's 2027 re-election

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale have urged the Luhya community to support President William Ruto's re-election bid, arguing that backing the incumbent would help western Kenya secure the presidency in 2032. Duale noted that more than 1.5 million people in the western region have not registered as voters.

    5 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 4 July

  1. Ruto allies accuse Uhuru of backing western leaders to split Luhya vote

    President Ruto's allies, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, have accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring emerging political leaders from Western Kenya to divide the region's voting bloc and weaken the President's re-election prospects ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    4 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 3 July

  1. Kenya Kwanza leaders visit Likuyani for boda boda empowerment programme

    Senior Kenya Kwanza leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet are expected in Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega County, on Friday for a boda boda empowerment drive aimed at supporting riders and engaging residents.

    3 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 2 July

  1. Kakamega County Assembly approves 2026 finance bill

    The Kakamega County Assembly has approved the Kakamega County Finance Bill, 2026, which introduces tax and revenue measures aimed at raising Sh2.2 billion in own-source revenue during the 2026/2027 financial year and establishes the legal framework for collecting county taxes, fees, charges and levies.

    2 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 17 June

  1. DCP deputy leader calls for Kakamega governor's arrest over gang ties

    Democracy for the Citizens Party Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has written to the Inspector General of Police demanding the arrest and prosecution of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, alleging the governor has ties to criminal gangs that have been deployed to intimidate residents and political opponents. Malala cited reported attacks on his supporters, including an incident in Harambee where several people were injured and robbed.

    17 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 12 June

  1. Gachagua tours Western Kenya to support Malala's gubernatorial bid

    Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua is on a two-day tour of Western Kenya to back deputy party leader Cleophas Malala's campaign to become Kakamega Governor and unseat incumbent Fernandes Barasa in next year's polls. President William Ruto is meanwhile hosting leaders from Marsabit at State House, Nairobi.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. National leaders visit Butere for women, boda boda empowerment

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is leading a delegation of national and county leaders to Butere Constituency for a socio-economic empowerment drive targeting women groups and boda boda operators, hosted by Butere MP Tindi Mwale under his #JeshiLaTutam banner.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Kakamega County budget prioritizes salaries over development spending

    Kakamega County has allocated Sh11.58 billion (over 80 per cent of the proposed 2026/2027 budget) to salaries and wages, leaving only Sh5.18 billion for development projects. Residents worry the bloated wage bill could undermine investment in road infrastructure, healthcare, job creation, and water.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard

Monday 8 June

  1. Barasa urges Western leaders to back Ruto in 2027, aim for 2032 presidency

    Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged Western region leaders to support President William Ruto in 2027 rather than bargain for the Deputy President position, as the Luhya community should focus on winning the presidency in 2032. Barasa noted the community has already produced three deputy presidents and should now aim for the country's top seat.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Kakamega launches digital platform for development approvals

    Kakamega County Government has developed an electronic platform to streamline development approvals, allowing developers to submit applications, track approvals, and access services online. Governor Fernandes Barasa said the platform will simplify procedures, reduce processing timelines, and improve record management, with plans to integrate it with the Engineers Board of Kenya's Project Registration Portal.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard

  3. Kakamega county promotes traders' loan scheme at 11 per cent interest

    The Kakamega County government is encouraging traders to access a revolving fund with an 11 per cent interest rate, described as one of the most affordable financing options available, to expand businesses and improve livelihoods. The county traders' loan programme is designed to provide affordable financing to entrepreneurs who face difficulties accessing credit from conventional financial institutions.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Kakamega governor calls for mining sector reforms

    Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in Kakamega's mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid controversy over the proposed Sh687 billion gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited.

    3 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Religious leaders condemn Mumias violence after Madaraka Day clashes

    Religious leaders in Mumias West Constituency have condemned violence that erupted after Madaraka Day celebrations at Bomani Grounds, which left several people injured and damaged property. The unrest began as crowds dispersed from the event, with youths chanting "One Term" slogans against Governor Barasa and President Ruto, subsequently blocking roads, lighting fires, and damaging vehicles.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Kakamega County plans to raise Sh2.2 billion locally

    Kakamega County has unveiled a revised Finance Bill aiming to raise Sh2.2 billion in own-source revenue for the 2026/2027 financial year. County officials say the legislation will strengthen revenue administration, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on national government allocations.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard

Monday 25 May

  1. Western Kenya leaders demand Deputy President slot in Ruto 2027 bid

    Leaders from Western Kenya, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and governors, have intensified calls for the region to secure the Deputy President position in President Ruto's 2027 re-election campaign. The demand emerged during a consultative meeting in Naivasha, with the leaders arguing that Western Kenya's large voting bloc and consistent political support warrant greater representation in top national leadership.

    25 May 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Kakamega partners with Dutch organization on farming and clean energy

    Kakamega County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation to improve farming, employment, and clean energy use in the county. Governor Fernandes Barasa said the partnership aims to increase agricultural production, improve farmers' incomes, and support sustainable farming practices while creating jobs and supporting women, youth, and small-scale farmers.

    20 May 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Echesa and Waswa oppose DPP bid to withdraw extortion case

    Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and businessman Joseph Hendrix Waswa have filed an application to block the Director of Public Prosecutions' attempt to withdraw a Sh240 million extortion case against them and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.

    19 May 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 17 May

  1. Ruto faces political pressure in Western Kenya region

    President William Ruto is experiencing growing political headwinds in Western Kenya, a region previously considered a key pillar of his re-election strategy.

    17 May 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Governors urge Parliament to amend PFM Act for Sh75.7 billion access

    The Council of Governors has asked Parliament to amend the Public Finance Management Act to allow counties immediate access to Sh75.7 billion in conditional allocations once the County Government Additional Allocation Bill, 2026, is enacted, arguing that current requirements for signed intergovernmental agreements interfere with the budget cycle.

    13 May 2026 · The Standard

Monday 4 May

  1. Governor Barasa welcomes Senate-governors truce on oversight

    Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has welcomed a recent truce between the Senate and the Council of Governors over county oversight and accountability, saying the agreement signals a new chapter in relations and will enhance devolution's effectiveness. Barasa stated that governors are ready to appear before Senate committees, but called for the process to be conducted with mutual respect and decorum.

    4 May 2026 · The Standard

Friday 1 May

  1. Vihiga hosts Kenya's 61st Labour Day celebrations outside Nairobi

    Kenya's 61st Labour Day celebrations are being held at Friends School Chavakali High in Vihiga County, marking the first time the event has been hosted outside Nairobi. The gathering includes senior government officials and is organised around the theme "Strengthening Local Production and Protecting Workers' Rights."

    1 May 2026 · The Standard

Fernandes Barasa — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute