“If you don’t respect Fernandes Barasa as an individual, at least respect the office of the governor,” Barasa declared, his voice laced with frustration. He condemned Senator Khalwale’s behaviour as unbecoming of a leader, accusing him of spreading malice instead of engaging constructively
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has issued a fiery warning to political rivals, accusing them of sowing division and disrespecting his leadership. Speaking at the PAG annual church service in Amalemba, Governor Barasa minced no words as he aimed Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale for his recent criticisms.
Barasa condemned what he described as Khalwale’s “embarrassing antics” during President William Ruto’s visit to the Western Region. The governor slammed the senator for attempting to undermine his administration and called for mutual respect among elected leaders.
“If you don’t respect Fernandes Barasa as an individual, at least respect the office of the governor,” Barasa declared, his voice tinged with frustration. He dismissed Khalwale’s behaviour as unbecoming of a leader, accusing him of peddling malice instead of focusing on constructive engagement.
Barasa challenged Khalwale to reflect on his own track record, particularly during his tenure as a Member of Parliament for Ikolomani Constituency. “What did you achieve for the people of Ikolomani? Show us one tangible project, even a single toilet, that you constructed,” Barasa charged.
The governor also took a swipe at Khalwale’s performance as senator from 2013 to 2017, claiming that his tenure was marked by “noise-making” rather than meaningful contributions to development. “The people of Kakamega rejected you in 2017 because they wanted leaders, not loud empty barrels,” Barasa said, urging Khalwale to wait until 2027 if he harbours gubernatorial ambitions.
Barasa demanded an apology from Khalwale, accusing him of embarrassing the county’s leadership in front of the President. “Your actions disrespected not just me, but the entire county of Kakamega. You owe the residents an apology,” he thundered.
A Commitment to Development
In contrast to the political bickering, Barasa reassured residents of his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his development agenda. He highlighted key projects, including infrastructure improvements, water supply initiatives like the Savona Water Project, and the construction of Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs).
“I will let my track record speak for itself in 2027. Right now, it’s time to work, not to politick,” Barasa emphasized.
Call to Action for IEBC
Turning his attention to national matters, Barasa urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to prioritize voter registration, especially among the youth. “Democracy depends on active participation. We need to ensure our young people are registered and ready to elect leaders who represent their aspirations,” he said.
He also called for the expedited resolution of boundary review issues and pending by-elections, underscoring their importance in strengthening Kenya’s democratic processes.
Barasa’s impassioned address left no doubt that he intends to defend his leadership and legacy against any detractors while remaining focused on delivering tangible results for the people of Kakamega.
