Kimilili MP-elect Didmus Barasa on Monday, August 15 was arraigned at the Bungoma Law Courts after he was alleged of shooting his opponent’s aide last week.
In an update by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the prosecution was seeking for more time to allow witnesses in the incident to record statements.
The prosecution applied for the lawmaker to remain in police custody in order to protect the witnesses who are yet to record their statements after expressing fear.
“Kimilili MP, Didmus Barasa was today arraigned (appeared online) at Bungoma Courts for murder. Prosecution asked for more time to allow more witnesses, including NYS & IEBC officials who were present at Chebukwabi Polling Station, to record statements.
“Prosecution led by ODPP Regional Head Western, Peter Kiprop, applied that the MP remains in custody to allow ODPP engage Witness Protection Agency (WPA) to protect witnesses who expressed fear to testify,” the ODDP stated.
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The detectives working on the case are also seeking for more time to complete & present ballistic and postmortem reports.
The court will rule on the application by the prosecution on Tuesday, August 16.
Speaking when he surrendered himself to the police, Barasa said that he was ready to co-operate with the police.
The Kimilili MP-elect is accused of shooting his opponent Brian Khaemba’s bodyguard at Chebukwabi polling station where they were to witness the counting of votes.
The bodyguard, Brian Olunga, succumbed to the injuries after being rushed to the Kimilili sub-county hospital.
