Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has demanded KSh100 million from the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) over publications about his academic qualifications. The demand was made through his lawyers.
It marks a new turn in a growing dispute over the MP’s academic record.
Lawyers Issue Ultimatum
A demand letter dated September 21 was issued by lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui and Jeff Kangethe. The lawyers accused COFEK of publishing statements they considered defamatory.
They said the posts were made between September 14 and September 21. A two-hour deadline was given. The lawyers demanded that the publications be removed from social media.
They also sought KSh100 million in damages. Legal action was threatened if the demands were not met.
Barasa Denies JKUAT Link
Barasa has denied attending Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He has also denied pursuing an engineering course there.
The dispute follows a September 14 letter from JKUAT to COFEK. In it, the university said Barasa’s name was not found in its student or alumni records.
JKUAT also said it did not hold a graduation ceremony in May 2008. That was the month shown on the engineering certificate linked to Barasa.
The university therefore said the certificate was not genuine.
Barasa Gives His Academic Record
Barasa has given a different account of his education. In a court affidavit, he said he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Mount Kenya University in 2021.
He said a master’s degree followed in 2022. That degree was in Public Administration and Management. He said he later joined Murang’a University of Technology.
A PhD programme in Public Administration was pursued there. Barasa said provisional admission was granted in January 2023.
PhD Dispute Continues
According to his affidavit, several academic stages were completed. They included a concept paper and research defence.
Data analysis and seminar presentations were also undertaken. An oral thesis defence was later completed.
Barasa said the university confirmed on June 16, 2026, that he had met the requirements for the PhD. Formal conferment was to follow at the next graduation ceremony. COFEK, however, has challenged aspects of his academic progression in court.
Barasa disputes the basis of those claims. He argues that the case relies largely on public information and alleged inconsistencies.
A Wider Academic Dispute
The latest demand comes days after JKUAT publicly addressed the engineering degree claims. The university said its records did not show Barasa as a student.
It also questioned the certificate attributed to the institution. Barasa has maintained that his undergraduate and master’s degrees came from Mount Kenya University.
He has also identified Murang’a University as the institution where he pursued his doctorate. For now, the dispute remains tied to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The KSh100 million demand adds another legal front. Any further determination on the contested academic claims will depend on the relevant institutions and the courts.
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