Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Governor Fernandes Barasa shake hands during the burial service of Elam Muchai in Chimoi village, Lwandeti ward, in Lugari constituency on Wednesday /HILTON OTENYO

In a gesture that could reshape the political landscape of Kakamega, Governor Fernandes Barasa and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera have buried the hatchet, pledging to work together in the interest of development and service delivery.

The two leaders, who fell out in September last year over the contentious outcome of the Kakamega county ODM delegates election, have often clashed publicly, each claiming to be the rightful county ODM chairman.

Their rivalry had left local politics fractured, confusing residents and slowing down development initiatives in Lugari constituency.

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But on Wednesday, at the burial service of Elam Muchai in Chimoi village, Lwandeti ward, the leaders shook hands in a symbolic reconciliation, signalling an end to months of acrimony.

Muchai was the father of Kakamega lands executive Angela Silima.

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Governor Barasa emphasised that political differences should not stall progress.

“A difference in opinion does not mean we are enemies,” he said.

“It only means we are leaders with diverse opinions. Due to public demand, we are going to have a handshake with MP Nabwera.”

“Political differences should not stand in the way of development projects. Earlier I requested the county government to help us get land to construct a market for our people in Lwandeti,” Nabwera said.

The reconciliation also involved key stakeholders, including MPs Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) and Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya.

These leaders, along with Nabwera, had formed a bloc known as the G8 prior to the ODM delegates election, which opposed Barasa.

Their coming together signals a broader willingness among Kakamega’s political leaders to prioritise residents’ welfare over partisan rivalry.

Political observers note this handshake could stabilise ODM in Kakamega, mending divisions that had threatened development initiatives and slowed service delivery.

By setting aside personal and political differences, Barasa and Nabwera are sending a message that leadership unity is essential to meaningful progress, particularly in Lugari, where residents have been eagerly waiting for projects such as markets, improved infrastructure and other community services.

For the people of Kakamega, the reconciliation is more than a political manoeuvre—it is a promise that their elected leaders are choosing cooperation over conflict and that development projects will no longer be held hostage to political rivalry.

As the county moves forward, the success of this renewed partnership will be measured not by handshakes and statements, but by tangible improvements in the lives of residents across Lugari constituency and beyond.

 Instant analysis

The handshake between Governor Fernandes Barasa and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera signals a critical turning point for Kakamega politics and local development. Their months-long feud over ODM leadership had fractured the party, slowed projects and created uncertainty for residents, particularly in Lugari constituency. By reconciling, the two leaders demonstrate that political differences can be set aside for the greater good, prioritising development, service delivery and community welfare. The move also strengthens internal party cohesion, paving the way for smoother collaboration among local leaders. For residents, this unity offers hope for tangible improvements in infrastructure, markets, and social services.