WHAT IF BARASA DECLARES TO RUN AS KAKAMEGA GOVERNOR? .

Tongues are wagging, pressure is mounting, Youth and women groups are cajoling to have the KETRACO Chief Fernandes Barasa on the ballot in 2022 as a Governor. 

A renowned manager, Barasa could regret his entire life if, at the end of his tenure at the Electricity body, he fails to be on the Kakamega gobernatorial ballot. 

For Barasa his main strong hold is in the rich Wanga voting block of Mumias East(45380voters), Mumias West(47492voters) and Matungu(61728voters).

He also commands parts of Navakholo(53620 voters) and Butere (62,956 voters).

Through the Barasa Foundation; a charitable organisation, he has been able to reach many people across the county and many perceive him to be a manager and not a politician.

Mr Barasa has seen the formulation and launch of the Ketraco's second five year strategic plan.

He has also overseen the completion of 132kv Kindaruma-Mwingi-Garissa, the energization of 220kv Rabai- Malindi-Garsen-Lamu line and launched the 400kv Kenya -Tanzania project and the recent ground breaking of Homabay substation, part of the 132kv Sondu-Homabay-Awendo Transmission line project.

Other notable achievements include leasing of excess fibre to Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications company.

He has also been donating motorcycles to youth groups and supporting women groups across the county.

Majority of respondents feel that the Southern part of the county has been in power under governor Oparanya and therefore the central and Northern regions want to be in power also.

Barasa is yet to choose a political party he intends to use and is negatively affecting his popularity in the county. Insiders however claim he is Eyeing ANC or ODM if he can scheme to beat the Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Kutima at Nominations. 

Barasa has also not picked a running mate, a choice that may affect his candidature either negatively or positively to his gubernatorial quest.

On the ground, villagers resonate with the organisation Barasa Foundation even without his physical presence that is long awaited if he was to launch his bid.

ENDS.