Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa Released, Says Assault Case Is Smear Campaign.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa Released, Says Assault Case Is Smear Campaign.

Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Wekesa Barasa was on Monday arraigned in court on charges of committing grievous bodily harm against a local contractor.

The MP was accused of assaulting contractor-cum-musician Stephen Masinde, popularly known as Steve Kay, on July 30, 2021, at Lurare Baptist Primary School.

Barasa, appearing before Kimilili Law Courts Resident Magistrate Gladys Adhiambo, denied the charges.

The lawmaker, who is out on a Sh100,000 bond, linked the case to the 2022 general election.

He said those against him should take the battle to the voting ground and not engage in matters that hurt development.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa Released, Says Assault Case Is Smear Campaign. Photo Courtesy

Addressing the press after the court session, Masinde’s lawyer Brian Khaemba said justice should prevail for his client.

“We want to laud police for swiftly arresting the MP whom we want the courts to ensure that he serves as an example to other leaders with such traits,” he said.

“We have also made an application to have this case moved from here in Kimilili to any other court outside this constituency so that my client who does not hail from this constituency may be free and safe to proceed with the case.”

The lawmaker, also speaking to the press,  termed the case as a political witch-hunt allegedly spearheaded by lawyer Khaemba whom he claimed is keen on succeeding him in the Kimilili parliamentary seat.

Barasa was early morning arrested by officers from Kimilili Police Station at his Nasianda village home.

The case was set for mention on September 27, 2021.