The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has dismissed claims of a repeat election at the County Coordinating Committee level in Kakamega.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, September 12, 2025, the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) clarified that no such exercise has been scheduled.
“The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) of the ODM party has not called for any repeat election of the party in Kakamega at the County Coordinating Committee level. Any information to the contrary is false and should be ignored,” the statement read.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of recent leadership changes in Kakamega. Governor Fernandes Barasa was officially declared the ODM County Chairman following elections conducted on September 1, 2025, at Iguhu KMTC, Ikolomani.
Returning Officer Felix Ngala, accompanied by Presiding Officer Violet Ananda and a team from Orange House, confirmed Barasa’s victory. Delegates drawn from all constituencies in Kakamega endorsed him for the position, cementing his leadership.
The polls were, however, marked by tension. Barasa faced strong opposition from Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who pushed for secret ballot voting, while Barasa favored the mulolongo system in line with ODM’s constitution.
Although Barasa carried the day, Nabwera raised concerns over irregularities and incidents of violence linked to the governor’s camp.
Addressing delegates after the win, Barasa said, “Kakamega County ODM delegates have once again placed their trust in me by electing me as the ODM County Chairperson during today’s polls… I remain steadfast in protecting our party from disruptive elements and committed to keeping ODM strong, vibrant, and prepared for 2027 and beyond.”
On the same day, ODM also unveiled dates for party primaries in four electoral areas ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
According to NECC Chairperson Emily Awitta, nominations will take place between September 24 and 27, 2025, in Kasipul Constituency (Homa Bay), Ugunja Constituency (Siaya), Kariobangi North Ward (Nairobi), and Lake Zone Ward (Turkana).
Voting will run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at designated polling centers, with verification of members conducted electronically via www.odmmembership.com or by dialing 483036#.
Awitta confirmed that direct tickets had been issued for Magarini Constituency and Fafi Ward, while competitive primaries would decide candidates in the other four areas. National Chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirmed the party’s preparedness, noting, “The coordinating committee is independent and will run its own operations.”
