Fernandes Barasa: Let’s strengthen ODM ahead of 2027 polls
As the country celebrates one year anniversary since the demise of ODM party leader Raila Kakamega county governor Fernandez Barasa has called for truce within the party as the 2027 general election nears.
The governor who is also the County ODM party chairman has expressed the need for the party to unite and hence be able to equitably demand it’s fair share in the broad based formation when countywide elections will be held.
Speaking in Manda Shivanga ward in Malava subcounty at Tombo primary school where he commissioned an ECDE centre, the ODM county leader hailed the efforts the late party leader Raila Odinga put in place to unite all the ODM supporters challenging all the splinter groups to respect his vision of having a united party that will forge an alliance with President William Ruto led Kenya Kwanza to form the next government.
Barasa expressed his gratitude to the ongoing anniversary ceremony happening at Bondo and urged the leaders present to exercise political restrain despite their political affiliation in honor of the late leader.
He said it was time for the waring factions including the equitable party (TEP)of Edwin Sifuna who was the ODM long serving secretary general, and Babu Owino’s Linda mwananchi to swallow their pride and respect Raila’s aspirations of having a united ODM being part of the next government.
“We as ODM we are aware that we need to uplift and support young leadership within the party,but splitting the party into factions for our own selfish interest is against the wishes of Baba and larger ODM as well.
Barasa who led the residents in observing a minute of silence in honour of Raila, who passed away on October 15, 2025 said Raila would forever be remembered for his contribution to multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and the struggle for social justice in Kenya.
He added that although the veteran politician was no longer physically present, his ideas, principles and vision of a just, equitable and united Kenya would continue to inspire generations.
He urged ODM leaders and members to honour Raila’s legacy by protecting the unity, solidarity and future of the party and called on them to prioritise the interests of ODM, resolve internal differences through dialogue and respect internal party democracy.
“And I also wish to continue urging our defacto leaders whose positions differed from Raila’s principles to return to the party, observing that it would be contradictory for leaders to celebrate Baba’s legacy together while remaining politically divided”,
As the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, Governor Barasa said ODM must remain strong, united and influential in negotiations concerning the formation of the next government, a process he noted Raila had initiated.
He maintained that Raila had left ODM within the broad-based government and that the party would remain in the arrangement in honour of his legacy.
The Governor further emphasised the need for ODM to nurture a new generation of leaders capable of preserving the party’s ideals while responding to the aspirations of young people and Kenyans at large.
He said the principles of democracy, justice, equality and accountability championed by Raila should continue to guide the party’s leadership and political direction.
Governor Barasa concluded by affirming that although Raila had departed physically, his spirit, ideals and legacy continued to live on.
Earlier on the county chairman who is also the country ODM chairman had hosted the ODM fraternity at Bukhungu Stadium as they marked one year since the passing of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga where they honoured his enduring contribution to Kenya’s democracy, the advancement of devolution and the political journey that has shaped the nation.
” As we look towards 2027, Baba’s legacy reminds us of the importance of unity, dialogue and collective purpose. We must carry these values forward as we chart the next chapter of our party and our country at large,” he concludes.
