By Gladys Musyoka: safinews2022@gmail.com
Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile has moved to court seeking orders to restrain Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa from making what she terms as defamatory statements against her.
In an urgent application filed at the Milimani Magistrate’s Court, Muhanda, through her lawyer Danstan Omari, argues that the governor has made repeated public statements that have severely damaged her reputation, political standing and personal dignity.
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The application, dated April 10, 2026, has been certified as urgent, with the applicant seeking immediate court intervention to stop what she describes as a sustained campaign of falsehoods.
According to court documents, Muhanda accuses the governor of publicly describing her as a drunkard, incompetent and unfit to hold office, claims she strongly denies. She maintains that the statements were made in public forums, including rallies and media platforms, where they reached a wide audience.
She argues that the remarks have exposed her to ridicule, public scorn and emotional distress, further noting that her position as a public office holder makes her reputation critical to the execution of her duties.
In her supporting affidavit, Muhanda states that she has diligently served the people of Kakamega since her election in 2022 and insists that the allegations against her are false, malicious and politically motivated.
She further claims that the statements are part of a calculated attempt to undermine her ahead of the 2027 general elections, where she is expected to contest for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.
Through the application, she is seeking both temporary and permanent injunctions to bar the governor, his agents or associates from publishing or disseminating any further alleged defamatory content.
Additionally, she wants the court to compel Barasa to retract the statements, issue a public apology with equal prominence, and take down any related content already in circulation.
The legislator is also seeking general damages amounting to Ksh 18 million for libel and slander, alongside costs of the suit.
Muhanda argues that unless the court intervenes, the continued publication of the statements will cause irreparable harm that cannot be adequately compensated through damages alone.
The case is expected to proceed as the court gives directions on the urgent application.