By Andrew Kariuki

A court has issued interim orders restraining Fernandes Barasa from making or spreading any alleged defamatory statements against Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile.

The orders, issued pending the hearing and determination of the case, prohibit the governor from uttering, publishing, republishing, broadcasting, posting, or in any way disseminating any statements deemed defamatory or false against the legislator.

The court further extended the directive to Barasa’s agents, employees, political associates, or anyone acting under his authority, barring them from making or circulating 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 part of the court order.

The orders arise from a defamation suit filed by Muhanda at Milimani Law Courts, where she is seeking Ksh18 million in damages for alleged libel and slander.

Through her lawyer Danstan Omari, the legislator accuses the governor of making negative public remarks about her and questioning her competence to hold office.

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

In addition to damages, she is 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 affidavit, the Woman Representative claims the remarks are politically motivated and intended to undermine her ahead of the 2027 General Election, where she has expressed interest in vying for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.

She further warned that unless restrained, the governor could continue making the alleged remarks during public engagements, worsening the damage to her public image.

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