What You Need to Know
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has been barred by the court from making defamatory remarks against Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda. The court issued interim orders as Muhanda seeks Ksh18 million in damages for alleged slander. The orders extend to Barasa’s associates, prohibiting any similar statements until the case is resolved.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa’s feud with the county’s Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile has taken a new twist after the court issued interi orders restraining the county boss from making defamatory statements.
The orders were issued on Monday, April 13, pending the hearing and determination of a case where the Woman rep is seeking Ksh18 million in compensation for defamation.
The directives were extended to Barasa’s agents, employees, political associates and any persons acting under his authority, who have effectively been prohibited from making or spreading similar statements.
“…hereby ordered that the application be served for inter partes mention for directions on 7/5/2026…that orders in terms of prayer 2 do issue in the interim,” read part of the court order.
Muhanda had initially moved to the Milimani Law Courts to seek Ksh18 million in damages from the governor over alleged slander and libel.
The woman rep, through her lawyer Danstan Omari, accused the governor of making negative remarks about her in public forums, with a majority of the criticism centering around her competence to hold public office.
While reiterating that the statements were false and malicious, Muhanda claimed they caused significant harm to her reputation.
Through her legal team, the lawmaker further stated that the remarks caused emotional distress and severe damage to her political standing.
She is also seeking orders compelling the governor to retract the alleged statements, issue a public apology with equal prominence, and delete any defamatory content already in circulation.
A supporting affidavit further slammed the governor, with Muhanda claiming that the remarks were politically motivated and intended to undermine her ahead of the 2027 polls.
Notably, Muhanda has openly expressed interest in contesting the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.
The court’s interim orders now mean that Governor Barasa is legally prohibited from making any statements that could be considered defamatory against the legislator until the matter is heard and determined.
Failure to comply with the orders could expose the governor to contempt of court proceedings, which may attract penalties including fines or other legal sanctions.
The pair’s feud played out openly over the weekend when rival factions allegedly allied to the two leaders clashed at a funeral service in Ikolomani. The clash left one man severely injured after a stabbing.
The ongoing feud between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda highlights the contentious political landscape in Kenya. Such disputes often arise in the lead-up to elections, as candidates seek to undermine their opponents. The legal actions taken reflect the increasing use of courts to settle political grievances, particularly in a country where public statements can significantly impact reputations and electoral prospects. This case underscores the importance of maintaining decorum in political discourse, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
