The MP is facing murder charges after he allegedly shot dead, Brian Olunga, a bodyguard to his opponent
By Seliphar Musungu, Bungoma
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has been freed on Sh10million bond by the Kakamega High Court.
This is after the MP elect pleaded not guilty to the murder of Brian Olunga.
He is facing murder charges after he allegedly shot dead, Brian Olunga, a bodyguard to his political rival in the just concluded general elections.
Justice Patrick Otieno warned the MP elect on the revocation of the bond if he fails to follow strict conditions stated by the court .
‘’He should not comment on proceedings of the case anywhere, may it be TV, radio, funerals or any public gathering. Violation of the condition shall lead to cancellation of the bond.’’ said Otieno
‘’Since he is the former MP and MP elect he has great influence in Kimilili where he committed the offence, to protect the family and witnesses Didmus must submit his guns and passport to DCI within 48hrs,’’ Otieno said
In addition, Otieno ordered the MP elect not to be seen near Kimilili constituency or Bungoma County at large until 23 witnesses against him have recorded their statement against him. Also not to contact any witness in the pending period of detention.
‘’He should not comment on proceedings of the case anywhere, may it be TV, radio, funerals or any public gathering. Violation of the condition shall lead to cancellation of the bond.’’ said Otieno
His lawyers pleaded with the court to allow the MP elect access to his home in Kimilili to get personal effects and even his certificate from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Bungoma for winning the Kimilili parliamentary seat.
‘’He may visit his home for only 3 hours on a date that will be arranged by the DCI and his lawyers. He will only be allowed to address not more five people during his visit.’’ Said Otieno
In the morning session Barasa pleaded not guilty to murdering Brian Olunga on 9th August at Chebukwabi village in Kimilili, Bungoma County.
At the time of death, Olunga, 21, was a bodyguard to Brian Khaemba, who was vying for the Kimilili parliamentary seat on DAP-K ticket against Barasa.
Kimilili MP Didmus BarasaPeter Kiprop and Grace Mukungu, who are state lawyers, demanded that the MP be given a tough bond and ensure he attends all court proceedings without fail and not to temper with any witnesses due to the seriousness of the offence he has committed.
‘’ We pray that if the court grants him bail he subsequently surrenders his gun, passport and pledges not to interfere or contact witnesses in the case,” said Ms Mukangu.
They additionally said that the MP’s duties entailed traveling out of the country frequently and withdrawal of his passport would affect his delivery of services to Kimilili residents.
They also argued that earlier on the MP surrendered himself to the police at Kimilili and that he should be treated leniently.
Ends
