Also known as: Governor Barasa · Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa · Governor Fernandes Barasa
Kakamega Governor who has affirmed loyalty to ODM while facing political competition from opposition movements and allegations of gang ties ahead of 2027 elections.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Standard
… out a signed intergovernmental agreement, which must be approved by the Controller of Budget (COB).While presenting a Memorandum to the Senate Finance and Budget committee in a session chaired by Vice Chairperson Tabitha Mutinda, CoG Finance Committee Chairperson Fernandes Barasa …
Governors demand PFM Act changes to unlock Sh75.7 billion grant bonusThe Standard
Audio By VocalizeKakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa addresses faithful during Easter mass at Holy Spirit Bulimbo Catholic church in Matungu, on April 5, 2026. …
Barasa calls for mutual respect between governors and senatorsThe Standard
… Leaders already present in the chilly, drizzling morning include Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Kakamega's Fernandes Barasa. …
Vihiga lights up to Labour Day celebrationsPresident William Ruto's allies, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, attacked Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the opposition in Kakamega, accusing them of lacking a clear agenda beyond challenging the President as political competition for Western Kenya intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
24 August 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto's allies, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, attacked Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the opposition in Kakamega, accusing them of lacking a clear agenda beyond challenging the President as political competition for Western Kenya intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
24 August 2026 · The Standard →
Kakamega County has rolled out a Sh60 million social protection grant programme targeting women, youth, widows, persons living with disabilities and other marginalised groups to improve livelihoods and promote economic empowerment. Governor Fernandes Barasa launched the countywide initiative at Navakholo Stadium, designed to provide financial support for establishing or expanding small businesses and building sustainable sources of livelihood.
18 August 2026 · The Standard →
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has asked Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to support his bid to become Kenya's next president, as the Linda Mwananchi movement conducted political mobilization in Kakamega ahead of the 2027 General Election.
8 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Chief Justice Martha Koome has warned judges, magistrates and judicial staff against engaging in corruption and bribery, saying integrity is the foundation of a credible justice system and that the Judiciary has zero tolerance for corruption.
6 August 2026 · The Standard →
The Director of Public Prosecutions has warned politicians against fuelling political intolerance through inflammatory remarks and sponsoring criminal gangs, stating his office will pursue further arrests to safeguard peace and the rule of law. The warning follows the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and comes amid heightened political tensions.
6 August 2026 · The Standard →
Kakamega County government launched the Triple Threat Campaign to address rising cases of teenage pregnancies, HIV infections and sexual and gender-based violence among young people aged 10–24 years through awareness, health services access, education and community partnerships. The county recorded 22 per cent of antenatal clinic attendees as adolescents aged 10–19 and 1,900 sexual and gender-based violence survivors.
3 August 2026 · The Standard →
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) while accusing Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya of fuelling divisions within the party as Oparanya aims to be named President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 polls.
30 July 2026 · The Standard →
President Ruto and Uganda's Vice President Alupo attended the consecration and enthronement of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru as the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Katakwa in Busia County on Sunday. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit presided over the ceremony and urged the new bishop toward servant leadership, doctrine, and unity.
26 July 2026 · Capital News →
Edwin Sifuna's planned Linda Mwananchi tour of Western Kenya has disrupted the political stability Kenya Kwanza has held in the region, prompting senior government officials and allied leaders to intensify grassroots engagement and consultative meetings ahead of rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →