GOVERNOR BARASA LAUDS CITAM CHURCH FOR SPORTS EVANGELISM, CALLS FOR PEACE AND RESPONSIBLE POLITICS

H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, has commended the Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) Church, Kakamega branch, under the leadership of Rev. Elphas Bwire, for its pivotal role in advancing sports evangelism and youth empowerment. He noted that the just concluded CITAM Mega Gospel Tournament, held in partnership with the County Government of Kakamega at Bukhungu Stadium, reflects a deliberate effort by the County to integrate faith, talent development and community engagement. The Governor described the initiative as a strong model for nurturing discipline, unity and social cohesion among the youth.

Speaking during a church service at CITAM Kakamega in Shieywe Ward, Lurambi Sub-County, Governor Barasa encouraged young people across the county to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration and verification exercise. In a show of commitment to civic responsibility, he verified his voter registration at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) desk set up at the church, demonstrating the importance of citizen participation in shaping leadership and development priorities.

The Governor, however, condemned the rising cases of political intolerance and hooliganism across the country. He cited the recent attack on Senator Godfrey Osotsi of Vihiga County in Kisumu, as well as an incident in Ikolomani where the Woman Representative of Kakamega Hon. Elsie Muhanda was seen in the company of rowdy individuals during a funeral, leading to disruption and mayhem. He termed such actions as unacceptable and a direct threat to peace, national cohesion and democratic values.

Governor Barasa called upon security agencies to take swift and decisive action against perpetrators of political violence, warning that such incidents could destabilize the country’s peace and unity if left unchecked. He further urged political leaders to exercise restraint, desist from premature campaigns, and prioritise service delivery while fostering unity among citizens.

He was accompanied by Members of the County Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Speaker James Namatsi and the host Hon. Moses Musundi, alongside members of the County Executive.