Court restrains Governor Barasa from making defamatory statements against Kakamega Women Rep

The orders, granted pending the hearing and determination of the application, also bar the governor’s agents, employees, political associates, or any persons acting under his authority from making or spreading such statements.

"...hereby ordered that the application be served for inter partes mention for directions on 7/5/2026...that orders in terms of prayer 2 do issue in the interim," reads the court order.

The orders arise from a defamation suit filed by Muhanda at the Milimani Law Courts, in which she is seeking Ksh.18 million in damages for alleged libel and slander.

Through her lawyer Danstan Omari, Muhanda accuses Governor Barasa of making negative remarks in public forums against her and questioning her competence to hold public office.

She argues that the statements are false, malicious, and have caused serious harm to her reputation, emotional distress, and injury to her political standing.

In the suit, Muhanda is also seeking orders compelling 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 legislator claims the remarks are politically motivated and aimed at undermining her ahead of the 2027 General Election, where she has expressed interest in contesting the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.

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

Muhanda maintains that the continued circulation of the statements has exposed her to public ridicule and lowered her standing among constituents and fellow leaders, emphasizing that her reputation is critical to her role as a public servant.