Fernandez Barasa Urges Raila To Allow Ruto To Fulfil His Promises: "Petty Politics Wachana Nayo"

• Kakamega governor Fernandez Barasa urged the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, to give President William Ruto time to execute his development agenda
• Barasa slammed Azimio supporters urging him to focus on the agenda of the coalition rather than hosting those with different political affiliations
• He noted that the president and he share a lot in common, dating back to the primary school they both attended

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kakamega governor Fernandez Barasa has demanded that Azimio leader Raila Odinga stop politicking on President William Ruto's agenda.

Why is Fernandez Barasa fighting Raila Odinga?

Speaking at Uasin Gishu county on Monday, January 8, the Kakamega boss urged Raila to cease petty politics and give the president ample time to work on his development projects.

"Put aside petty politics. You were given work to do; kindly work for the people of Kenya. Give our president ample opportunity to unite the country and work on the needs of Kenyans," he demanded.

Barasa affirmed his commitment to stand by the president, ensuring his unwavering support from the Western region.

The county leader acknowledged facing numerous criticisms for hosting the president and his allies, despite his alignment with the Azimio coalition.

"I will continue supporting the president. I hear people saying that I host politicians with different political affiliations; that is petty politics," he said.

He added:

"All the governors are behind you because we know that in the next four years, Kenya will be a transformed nation. And we, as the Mulembe nation, will back you up because you have demonstrated your development agenda across the country. you have come to Kakamega five times because it is very special to you."

Fernandez Barasa supporting William Ruto

Despite being a staunch ally of Raila, he emphasised his commitment to embracing development and avoiding conflicts with the neighbouring county.

He further highlighted his educational background with the head of state as a crucial factor in maintaining their enduring relationship.

"I came here as a neighbour because I love development. And again, we have a lot in common with the president. Kamagut Primary School is similar to the institution I attended at my primary level of education. And I want to thank Kamagut Primary for giving us the fifth president of Kenya," he added.

Raila mediates between Peter Salasya and Fernandez Barasa

In early December 2022, Raila mediated between the county boss and Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya after they nearly engaged in a fistfight.

The duo's relationship went parallel after Salasya accused Barasa of repressing efforts to revive the Mumias Sugar Company.

"The reason I have stood here is that during the meeting with this governor the other day, we as the MPs here in Kakamega didn't come to an understanding and said the resolutions that whoever speaks will say this. That's why I left there and came to speak because Mumias East is where Mumias Sugar originates from," he said.

Raila urged the two to shelve their differences and work together to the advantage of their subjects.