Didmus Barasa Demands Ksh.100 Million From COFEK Over Academic Qualifications Claims

Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has demanded Ksh.100 million in damages from the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) over publications concerning his academic qualifications, escalating an ongoing legal dispute over his educational background and doctoral studies.

Through his lawyers, Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui and Jeff Kangethe, Barasa has accused COFEK of publishing statements that he considers defamatory between September 14 and September 21, 2026.

In a demand letter dated September 21, 2026, the lawyers alleged that the publications were damaging to Barasa's reputation and demanded that all content relating to the MP be removed from social media platforms within two hours of receipt of the letter.

The lawyers also demanded Ksh.100 million in damages and warned that legal proceedings would follow if COFEK failed to comply with the demands.

Barasa denies JKUAT claims

The dispute includes claims concerning Barasa's alleged academic history. The MP has denied claims that he attended Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) or pursued an engineering programme at the institution.

The demand comes as the Consumer Federation of Kenya pursues court proceedings challenging aspects of Barasa's academic progression and the circumstances surrounding his doctoral qualification.

Barasa's account of his academic progression

In a replying affidavit filed in court, Barasa sets out his account of his academic history.

According to the affidavit, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration at Mount Kenya University in 2021. He subsequently obtained a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management (Public Policy) in 2022.

Barasa states that he later applied to Murang'a University of Technology for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy programme in Public Administration and received provisional admission in January 2023.

He says he subsequently underwent various academic requirements as part of the doctoral programme. These included a concept paper presentation, research proposal defence, data analysis and results presentation, seminar and journal paper presentations, as well as an oral thesis defence.

According to Barasa, the university's Directorate of Postgraduate Studies issued a letter dated 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.

The affidavit states that the degree remained subject to conferment at the university's next graduation ceremony.

Dispute now before the courts

The academic controversy emerged after COFEK challenged aspects of Barasa's academic progression and doctoral qualification before the court.

Barasa disputes the factual basis of the petition, arguing that it relies substantially on publicly available information and alleged inconsistencies rather than his actual academic records.

His lawyers have characterized the publications by COFEK as defamatory and are seeking their removal, retraction and Ksh.100 million in damages.

The demand letter gives COFEK two hours to comply and warns that failure to do so could result in legal proceedings.

The allegations and counterclaims remain part of an ongoing legal dispute, and the court's determination will be required to resolve the contested issues.