Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has issued a pointed warning to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, declaring that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is the last person he should rely on to secure the presidency in 2027.
In a public address captured in a video shared on February 7, 2026, Barasa, an ODM affiliate and vocal supporter of coalition-building efforts, dismissed any notion that Uhuru's influence could propel Kalonzo to State House.
The governor's remarks come amid swirling opposition dynamics following Uhuru's recent appointment of Kalonzo as leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, a move that sparked protests from ODM quarters and raised questions about unity in the anti-government bloc.
Barasa argued that Uhuru, having stepped down from power, lacks the active machinery and grassroots momentum needed to deliver victory in a national contest. He suggested that banking on the former president's endorsement or behind-the-scenes support would prove futile, given the realities of post-retirement political leverage.
Barasa's statement highlights deeper fractures within the opposition, where alliances shift rapidly ahead of the 2027 polls. While some reports indicate Uhuru has backed Kalonzo in recent coalition reshuffles, including brokered interactions involving other figures, the Kakamega governor emphasized that such arrangements do not translate into electoral success.
He urged opposition players to focus on building broad, inclusive coalitions rather than depending on individual endorsements from retired leaders.The comments reflect ongoing tensions between ODM loyalists and other Azimio elements, especially as discussions about potential pacts with ruling coalitions gain traction in Western Kenya.
Barasa's intervention serves as a reality check for Kalonzo's ambitions, underscoring that personal loyalties and past associations may not overcome current political arithmetic. As the race intensifies, such warnings signal the challenges of forging a united front capable of challenging the incumbent.