Kimilili MP Didmus Wekesa Barasa has demanded Sh100 million in damages from the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) over publications concerning his academic qualifications, as he denies ever studying engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
In a demand letter dated September 21, 2026, lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui and Jeff Kangethe accused COFEK Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro of publishing allegedly defamatory statements about Barasa between September 14 and September 21.
They said the publications were intended to lower the MP’s standing and reputation.
The lawyers demanded that all publications concerning Barasa be removed from social media platforms within two hours of receipt of the letter.
They also demanded a retraction and Sh100 million in damages, warning that legal proceedings would be instituted if the demands were not met.
The demand follows renewed scrutiny of Barasa’s academic qualifications after JKUAT told COFEK that its records do not show that the MP was a student or graduate of the university.
In a September 14 letter, JKUAT Registrar of Academic Affairs Dr Aggrey Wanyama said Barasa’s name does not appear in the university’s student or alumni records.
The university also said it did not hold a graduation ceremony in May 2008, the date indicated on a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering certificate attributed to Barasa, and described the certificate as “NOT GENUINE.”
Barasa has disputed the claims, saying his undergraduate and master’s degrees are from Mount Kenya University and that his doctorate is from Murang’a University of Technology.
He has specifically denied obtaining an engineering degree from JKUAT.
In a replying affidavit filed in the court proceedings, Barasa says he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Mount Kenya University in 2021 and a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management (Public Policy) in 2022.
He says he subsequently applied for a Doctor of Philosophy programme in Public Administration at Murang’a University of Technology and received provisional admission in January 2023.
According to his affidavit, he completed various stages of the programme, including a concept paper presentation, research proposal defence, data analysis and results presentation, seminars, journal paper presentations and an oral thesis defence.
Barasa further says the university’s Directorate of Postgraduate Studies wrote to him on June 16, 2026, confirming that he had completed his studies and fulfilled the requirements for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, subject to conferment at the next graduation ceremony.
COFEK has challenged aspects of Barasa’s academic progression and doctoral qualification in court.
The organization has also sought verification of the academic credentials linked to his educational history.
Barasa disputes the basis of the challenge, while COFEK continues to question aspects of his academic record.
The latest demand letter puts the parties on notice of possible further legal action if the requested retraction, removal of publications and Sh100 million payment are not made.
