By Collins Wanzallah
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa over allegations of bribery. However, Barasa has stated that he will not honour the summons and will instead send his lawyer to represent him.
In a letter addressed to the MP, the EACC requested his presence at Integrity Centre headquarters on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, to record a statement. EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed that Barasa is under investigation for bribery claims. Ngumbi also noted that this was the second opportunity given to the MP to respond.
“The Commission accords you a second opportunity to come and respond to the allegations of bribery made against you. You are required to appear at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s offices at Integrity Centre, Nairobi, on 27th August 2024 at 9:00 am,” the letter, dated 21st August 2024, read in part.
The commission warned Barasa of serious consequences, including arrest and prosecution, if he failed to appear. “Please note, if you do not attend, this inquiry will proceed, and appropriate recommendations will be made without further reference to you,” the letter added.
EACC officers Celestine Owiti and Moses Tile were named as those assigned to record Barasa’s statement.
According to insiders, the case revolves around a tender for road improvement issued by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KURA), Upper Western Region, Bungoma Office. A contractor, Hon. Angela Mulwa, allegedly approached Barasa, offering KSh2 million in exchange for help securing the tender. The money was allegedly deposited into Barasa’s account at KCB Karen Branch on 13th December 2023, marked as a “loan advance”.
Barasa responded to the EACC summons by claiming that the KSh2 million was a soft loan from a politician who had unsuccessfully run for governor. He argued that the matter was civil, and not within the EACC’s jurisdiction, having already been dismissed by the DCI Karen for lack of jurisdiction.
In a letter to the EACC, Barasa stated, “I will not honour the summons, as this is purely an abuse of the mandate of the commission… I will send my lawyer on the said date.”