Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Nabii Nabwera has issued a clear warning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga: the loyalty that the people of Kakamega held for the late Raila Odinga cannot simply be transferred.
During the disbursement of the Uwezo Fund in Shinyalu Constituency on January 24, 2026, Nabwera emphasized that Oburu must earn the people’s loyalty, which is neither inherited nor given freely. “We demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Raila Odinga, but he worked diligently to earn that trust. He respected the people. This loyalty cannot be inherited; it must be cultivated,” Nabwera asserted.
His comments arise amid the recent Linda Ground meetings in Kakamega County, which have revealed increasing rifts within the ODM. One faction, led by Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya and Nabii Nabwera, convened a separate meeting in Butere at Oparanya’s residence, while another faction aligned with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa held a parallel gathering in Kakamega Town.
This division stems from the contentious 2025 ODM county party elections, in which Barasa was declared the winner of the county chairmanship—a result Nabwera vehemently disputes, claiming he is the rightful victor.
During the Butere meeting, Oburu Odinga acknowledged Nabii Nabwera as the ODM Kakamega County chairman, effectively undermining Barasa’s claim. However, when Oburu later attended the Kakamega Town meeting overseen by Governor Barasa, he reversed his position and recognized Barasa as the ODM county chairman. He stated his commitment to fostering unity and eliminating factions within the party.
This contradictory recognition incensed Nabii Nabwera, prompting him to launch a pointed public critique of Oburu Odinga.
Nabwera also directed his ire toward Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who attended Governor Barasa’s event, accusing him of subtly undermining Wycliffe Oparanya in the presence of Oburu Odinga. He cautioned that any attacks on Oparanya, who has recently gained endorsement from Kakamega MPs as their regional leader and is being positioned as a potential running mate for President William Ruto in 2027, would be perceived as a direct affront to the entire Kakamega leadership.
“Oburu Odinga, convey this message to Simba Arati: When you point fingers at Oparanya, you are essentially asking us to leave the party. When you insult Oparanya, you signal that we are not allies. It is unacceptable to insult someone’s father in his own home.”
