Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile has filed a lawsuit at the High Court seeking KSh115 million in damages over alleged defamatory statements made against her by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, his wife Prof. Janet Kassily Barasa, and eight bloggers.
The bloggers named in the suit are Fabian Musamia, Peter Ngatia, Joel Eshikumo, Dan Makori Kibwage, Dennis Weche, Tarik Shitiabayi, Melissa Awuor and Janet Wasike.
According to his lawyer Danstan Omari, Muhanda is seeking KSh20 million in damages from Governor Barasa, KSh15 million from his wife, and KSh10 million from each of the bloggers. She is also asking the court to compel the governor to retract the alleged defamatory statements, issue a public apology, and remove any related content from public platforms.
Additionally, the legislator wants the court to bar the governor from making similar remarks while the case is pending.
In her petition, Muhanda alleges that the respondents made three defamatory claims about her both publicly and through media platforms. These include branding her a drunkard, linking her to the death of former Kakamega National Polytechnic Principal Carolyne Khamete, and accusing her of engaging in sexual relationships with young men.
Muhanda argues that the statements have subjected her to public ridicule and could erode trust in her leadership. She maintains that her reputation is critical to her role and effectiveness as a public official.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations that Governor Barasa publicly described the Woman Representative in negative terms and questioned her suitability for office—claims Muhanda has strongly denied, terming them false, malicious and politically motivated.
The case is expected to come up for directions at the High Court as the legal battle between the two leaders unfolds.
