Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa hit out at Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and other opposition leaders over what he termed the politicization of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa addressing Lwandeti residents in Lugari on Sunday, 20th September 2026.
Addressing the congregation in Lugari Constituency after attending a church service at Lwandeti KAG , Barasa said the G-to-G deal is a technical economic arrangement that should not be dragged into political rallies. “Let us not turn fuel into politics. If there are issues with the G-to-G arrangement, let them be addressed through facts, accountability and engagement with stakeholders in the petroleum sector, not through political shouting,” Barasa said.
Barasa, who also chairs the Finance Committee at the Council of Governors (CoG), said fuel pricing has a direct impact on the economy, the cost of running county governments and the success of devolution. “When fuel prices go up, the cost of delivering services in counties also goes up – from ambulances to road construction. This is not a matter for political bickering. Allow relevant institutions and industry players to handle it transparently,” Barasa added.
The governor urged leaders to avoid creating unnecessary tension and anxiety among Kenyans over fuel matters. On the same fuel concerns, his Deputy Governor Deputy Governor Ayub Savula aslo commented out strongly in defence of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel importation deal, dismissing claims that the arrangements are a conduit for frauding public funds. Speaking on Sunday 20th September 2026 after attending Mass at Chakol Catholic Church in Teso South Constituency, Savula called the allegations as false and politically motivated.
Savula accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of fueling the controversy to discredit the Kenya Kwanza Government and damage Kenya’s diplomatic relations with Uganda. “These claims that G-to-G is being used to steal public money are lies. This is a legitimate government arrangement,” Savula said.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula in Chakol, Teso, Busia County, with Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka in Chakol Teso Church, sharing a conversation.
His remarks came after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua renewed attacks on the fuel deal, following on the remarks by the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Uganda’s procurement of petroleum products through Kenyan intermediaries.
Savula said the renewed criticism is an attempt to portray the government as corrupt while undermining the long-standing trade ties between Nairobi and Kampala. “Gachagua is using this issue to fight the government and to spoil our relationship with Uganda. That is irresponsible,” he said. The Deputy Governor maintained that any disputes arising from the fuel importation arrangement should be handled diplomatically, not through political rallies and social media. “Kenya and Uganda share longstanding economic and diplomatic ties. All contentious issues surrounding this arrangement must be addressed through diplomatic channels,” he said. He urged leaders to be patriotic and avoid statements that could jeopardize regional trade and fuel security.
Other leaders present were Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka who is also the western Coodinator to president Ruto’s re-election in 2027 who urged residents to surport Ruto fully, Lusaka termed the current opposition leaders as cowards and failures after allegations that were made on hired voters from Uganda and the unclear IEBC, Sirisia Mp John Waluke,Shinyalu Mp Fred Ikana ,Kiminini Mp Kakai Bisau ,Mary Emase of Teso South among other two -term faction leaders .