A video allegedly showing Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa undergoing a traditional ritual has resurfaced online, reigniting public interest in a controversial 2024 extortion case that linked the governor to a purported witchdoctor.
The footage, which circulated widely online when the controversy first emerged, purportedly showed a naked man resembling Barasa in what was described as a witchcraft setting.
At the time, reports claimed the ritual was connected to efforts to secure Barasa’s victory in the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial election. However, the claims surrounding the footage were allegations and were not independently established as fact.
The controversy came to public attention in March 2024 after William Simiyu Matere, alias Elijah, was arrested and charged at the Kibera Law Courts with allegedly demanding KSh240 million from Barasa.
According to the charge sheet reported at the time, Matere and others allegedly demanded the money from the governor between December 2023 and March 18, 2024. He denied the charges and was released on a KSh2 million bond.
How the witchdoctor allegations emerged
Reports surrounding the case alleged that the governor had previously sought the services of a traditional healer, with the purported ritual later becoming the basis of threats against him.
One report published in March 2024 said a CCTV recording appeared to show a naked man who resembled Barasa with a person described as a witchdoctor. The report claimed the footage dated to October 5, 2021, during the period leading to the 2022 General Election.
The allegations subsequently became a major political talking point in Kakamega.
Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala called for investigations into claims that Barasa had used a witchdoctor to secure his election victory and said he would consider challenging the gubernatorial results if the allegations were established.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa was also drawn into the controversy.
Citizen Digital reported in March 2024 that Echesa had been arrested over alleged extortion targeting Barasa, with investigators linking the matter to claims of cybercrime, threats, and a purported staged abduction.
