FERNANDES BARASA IS A SUPER SUPER STRATEGIST

I like Governor Fernandes Barasa for one he is strategic, calculative, shrewd and realistic master political tactician in his decisions and moves. In the period leading up to  2022 the good Barasa put in place a campaign machine for Governor which rendered then Deputy Governor of Kakamega Professor Philip Kutima irrelevant in ODM structure of Kakamega leaving him with no option but to defect to DAP and thereafter UDA parties thereafter.

Even after the gubernatorial election of Kakamega was postponed in 2022 this did not stop Fernandes Barasa from decisively defeating the government's candidate- Cleophas Malalah. After election Governor Barasa's focus quickly shifted to 2027. When Khalwale, Muhanda and Malalah are showing early signs of contesting against him in the next election he has not given them space to build strong networks and political support across the county at his detriment.

Governor Barasa has warmed his way into Raila Odinga's good books and edged out else Muhanda. Mrs Muhanda is now hanging on the coat of Wycliffe Oparanya for political relevance across Kakamega. However chances that Oparanya who is now cabinet secretary courtesy of Raila can go against the latter's preferred candidate Kakamega, are very slim, and which further diminishes Muhanda's hopes for ODM gubernatorial ticket. 

On the other hand Cleophas Malalah has since been dismissed as UDA's Secretary General. And together with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua they have moved to form DCP where Malalah himself is the Deputy Party Leader. If the daily rants by Dr Bobi Khalwale means anything then the camaraderie between  him and President William Ruto seem to be waning fast as lightening while that of Governor Barasa and William Ruto appears to be on the rising steadly. 

By and large Governor Barasa seem to have the full support of Prime Minister of Raila Odinga and President Ruto on the road to 2027. In addition to the multiple and scattered gubernatorial interests of Khalwale, Muhanda, Malalah and of recent Christopher Aseka Miradi (who is a person of interest in the killing of  Kisa East MCA Stephen Maloba), Governor Barasa being the incumbent seems to have a strategic good start with resources and strong networks right there at his disposal to defeat his opponents.

Barasa can be quiet but he is a super Machiavelli!  A political mobiliser of great ability. He is not confrontational but he has the monumental energy to get what he wants where and when. Publicity is his amiable friend. For those who do not know, Governor Barasa is a super tactician in the political chess board whose influence and connections in Kakamega and beyond is sparkling and spreading like the tentacles of an octopus. 

Underrated him at your own peril and incidental loss on the road to 2027.