By Hilda Atika
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has strongly cautioned Senator Bonny Khalwale and Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda against disseminating propaganda and misinformation that misleads and confuses the public.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service organized by the African Divine Church (ADC) at Bondeni Primary School grounds, Governor Barasa criticized the two leaders for allegedly using the funeral of former South Kabras Ward MCA Samson Tali as a platform for political propaganda. He expressed disappointment that they chose a solemn occasion to score political points. “It is shameful for leaders to politicize funerals and distract grieving families for selfish political mileage,” he said.
The governor also refuted allegations that negligence at the Kakamega County General Hospital led to the death of the former MCA. He dismissed claims of a healthcare crisis at the facility, including an acute shortage of drugs and medical equipment.
Barasa clarified that Samson Tali had sought treatment at the hospital himself. “The late Tali drove himself to the hospital at 10:00 p.m., seeking treatment for coughing up blood clots. The following morning, he collapsed and passed away,” he explained, adding that blood clot complications remain a common cause of death in such cases.
The governor also thanked the ADC church for their support after a previous altercation with Woman Rep Muhanda during a burial in Ikolomani Constituency. Barasa expressed gratitude to ADC Archbishop John Chabuga, who called for forgiveness and unity in 2024, encouraging leaders to focus on development and positive change in 2025.
During the event, Governor Barasa, who also serves as the chairperson for finance in the Council of Governors, pledged to construct a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre at Bondeni and support the building of the local ADC church.
