Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile has filed a defamation suit seeking KSh 18 million in damages against Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa over alleged defamatory remarks made in public forums.

In the case lodged at the Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi, Muhanda accuses the governor of making statements portraying her as a drunkard and questioning her competence to hold public office.

Through her lawyer Danstan Omari, the legislator is seeking urgent court orders to bar Barasa from repeating or publishing the alleged remarks, which she terms as false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation.

Central to the suit is her demand for KSh18 million in general damages for libel and slander, citing reputational harm, emotional distress, and injury to her political standing.

Muhanda is also asking the court to compel the governor to retract the statements, issue a public apology with equal prominence, and delete any allegedly defamatory content already in circulation.

In her supporting affidavit, the MP claims the remarks are politically motivated and intended to undermine her ahead of the 2027 General Election, where she has expressed interest in contesting the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.

She warns that unless restrained by the court, Barasa may continue making the alleged remarks during political rallies and public engagements, potentially escalating the damage to her public image.