Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile has initiated legal proceedings seeking KSh 18 million in compensation from Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa following allegedly defamatory statements made during public appearances.
Filed at the Milimani Law Courts, the lawsuit alleges that the governor portrayed her as an intoxicated person and cast doubt on her capability for public office. Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, the elected official requests immediate judicial intervention to prevent Barasa from repeating or disseminating the contested statements, described as untrue, harmful, and detrimental to her standing.
At the core of the legal action is the claimant’s request for KSh 18 million in general damages for libel and slander, citing damage to her reputation, emotional suffering, and harm to her political career. She additionally seeks judicial orders requiring the governor to withdraw the comments, offer a public apology of similar visibility, and remove any defamatory material already public.
In her supporting affidavit, the Member of Parliament asserts that the statements were politically motivated with the aim of diminishing her influence before the 2027 General Election, in which she has indicated her intention to seek the Kakamega governorship position. She cautions that without judicial restraint, Barasa might persist with the alleged claims at political gatherings and public events, potentially intensifying the harm to her public perception.
This article was originally published by Radio47.