The Milimani Commercial Magistrate’s Court issued interim orders restraining Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa from making or publishing any statements deemed defamatory against Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda Busihile.
Senior Principal Magistrate Anne Nyoike granted the temporary orders on April 11, 2026, following an urgent application filed by the Woman Representative through her lawyer Danstan Omari.
In the ruling, the court allowed an interim injunction prohibiting the Governor, his agents, employees, political associates, or any individuals acting on his behalf from “uttering, publishing, republishing, broadcasting, posting or disseminating” any statements considered false or defamatory concerning the applicant.
The court further directed that the application be served on the Governor ahead of an inter partes mention scheduled for May 7.
The interim orders will remain in force until May 7.
According to court documents, Muhanda accuses the Governor of making remarks in public forums and on media platforms describing her as a “drunkard” and “incompetent,” allegations she says have damaged her reputation and exposed her to public ridicule.
She argues that her standing as a public office holder is central to the execution of her duties and that continued circulation of the alleged statements risks causing irreparable harm.
In the application, the legislator is seeking a permanent injunction to bar further publication of the alleged defamatory statements.
She is also asking the court to compel the Governor to retract and delete the remarks, as well as issue a public apology.
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