Battle of Titans Unfolds in Kakamega: Barasa, Khalwale Trade Blame Over County Development

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The political rivalry between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senator Boni Khalwale has once again burst into the public spotlight, with both leaders trading accusations over the county’s stalled development projects.

In a video circulating online on Tuesday, Governor Barasa accused Senator Khalwale of sabotaging progress in Kakamega by allegedly blocking the release of additional county funds from the national government.

Barasa claimed that the Council of Governors had proposed that counties receive over Ksh400 billion, but senators — including Khalwale — reduced the allocation to Ksh385 billion for what he termed as “selfish political interests.”

“Because of such actions, hospitals in our county are lacking essential drugs, and service delivery has been greatly affected,” Barasa lamented during a county function, urging residents to hold their leaders accountable.

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However, Senator Khalwale swiftly fired back, accusing Barasa of mismanagement and corruption. The outspoken senator claimed that the governor had been looting county resources under the guise of development, yet tangible projects on the ground remain minimal.

“This governor has turned Kakamega into a personal business empire,” Khalwale alleged in a separate statement, insisting that he will not allow public funds to be wasted.

The bitter war of words now threatens to further divide Kakamega’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts warn that the ongoing feud could derail key development initiatives if not addressed through dialogue and cooperation between the two county leaders.

As residents watch the unfolding drama, the battle between Barasa and Khalwale continues to shape the political temperature in one of Kenya’s most influential counties.