Monday, August 2: Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has been released on a bond of Ksh150,000 with one surety or cash bail of Ksh100,000 after being charged with causing grievous harm to a local contractor.
The MP denied the charges instituted against him in front of Judge Gladys Adhiambo at the Kimilili Law courts.
The case will be heard on Monday, September 27.
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Barasa was picked by police officers at the dawn of Monday, August 2, at his Kimilili home over assault claims.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, Kimilili OCPD Lawrence Marao, said that the first-time legislator would be charged with assault causing grievous harm after a video of him allegedly slapping a contractor following a disagreement emerged online.
"Yes, he has been arrested. He is expected to be arraigned this morning for plea taking," Marao told Kenyans.co.ke.
The scuffle between the Legislator and the contractor identified as Stephen Masinde ensued on Friday, July 30, when the contractor allegedly confronted the MP over unpaid bills amounting to Ksh3.4 million accrued from the construction of five classrooms at Baptist Lurare Primary School in Kimilili.
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The contractor is also a Kimilili-based musician known by his stage name, Steve Kay.
Reports indicate that Barasa had arrived at the school on Friday, July 30, to launch the newly built classrooms only for the contractor to refuse to open them until his payment demands were met.
"When we asked the MP to pay us, he said he does not make partial payments to contractors and that we should keep on waiting," stated Masinde.
"I closed the classrooms because they cannot begin to operate without me being paid and once the children start using them, the condition might deteriorate and justify the MP's refusal to pay me."
In his defense, Barasa disputed the allegations claiming that he and Masinde were long-time friends.
The MP also pointed out that Masinde had promoted his campaigns and entertained audiences during his rallies.
