Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has denied claims of a rift with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, despite accusations from Barasa of Oparanya's interference in county politics. Oparanya asserted he is too occupied with his ministerial duties to be involved in Kakamega County affairs.

• Oparanya, who served as Kakamega Governor from 2013 to 2022, stated he has "nothing to do in Kakamega."
• The alleged dispute reportedly originated from the ODM chairmanship elections in Kakamega, where Oparanya was accused of backing Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera against Barasa.
• Governor Barasa also accused Oparanya of undermining ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s influence in the Western region.