Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa will remain in custody for 10 more days as police probe the killing of a man at a polling station in Bungoma last Tuesday.
A Bungoma court on Tuesday, August 16, allowed an application by the prosecution seeking more time to allow detectives to record statements from witnesses.
Barasa was first arraigned in court on Monday after surrendering to authorities on August 12.
“Kimilili MP, Didmus Barasa, to remain in custody for 10 more days after prosecution made an application for more time to allow detectives to complete investigations and allow more witnesses, including NYS and IEBC officials to record statements,” ODPP directed.
The extra 10 days, the prosecution explained, will allow detectives to record statements from officers from the National Youth Service and Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC), who witnessed the incident.
“The detectives also need time to complete and present ballistic and postmortem reports,” the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said.
Barasa is alleged to have shot and killed Brian Olunga, an aide to one of his opponents after a disagreement at Chebukwani Polling Station on August 9.
Police reports indicate that the incident occurred when Brian Khaemba, went to the Chebukwabi Polling Station at around 6pm to witness the counting of the votes.
The police report seen stated that “Didmus Barasa withdrew a pistol and aimed at Khaemba’s aide, Brian Olunga and fatally shot him on the forehead.”