Kimilili MP-elect Didmus Barasa pleads not guilty to murder charges in Kakamega

Kimilili Member of Parliament-elect Didmus Barasa was on Wednesday, August 24, arraigned in court where he is accused of shooting dead his opponent’s aide.

Appearing before a Kakamega court, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician pleaded not guilty but has to wait till 3:00 pm to know whether he will be released on bail or remain in custody.

Barasa allegedly killed Brian Olunga, an aide to Kimilili politician Brian Khaemba on the August 9 election day.

He had been detained at the Kisumu cells where he appeared in court virtually and the court allowed police to detain him for 10 days.

According to a police report, Barasa is suspected to have shot Olunga in the forehead killing him on the spot while vote counting was underway at Chebukwabi polling station in Kimilili.

The autopsy showed that Olunga died of profuse bleeding when the bullet got stuck in his head.

Ballistic experts based at the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) linked Kimilili MP-elect Didmus Barasa’s Glock Pistal to the fatal shot that took away Olunga’s life.

Speaking last week during the final sendoff of Olunga, Barasa’s bitter rival Brian Khaemba mourned his departed aide asserting that his killer will be held accountable.

"As we bid him goodbye, we pray for nothing but justice to his family and the culprit to be held liable," Khaemba said.