Didmus Barasa Hits Back at Stephen Mutoro Over Academic Qualifications, Challenges Natembeya Allies

 

Kimilili MP Didmus Wekesa Barasa has responded sharply to Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro and others who have questioned his academic journey, challenging them to turn their scrutiny towards the political activities of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Barasa, who recently graduated with a PhD in Public Administration from Murang’a University of Technology, said his doctoral studies were driven by a research problem concerning Bungoma County and accused his critics of focusing on political gossip instead of academic research.

In a statement, Barasa declared himself the “new doctor in town” and explained that his doctoral research focused on county government branding strategies and service delivery satisfaction among small and medium-sized enterprises in Bungoma County.

He said the research was intended to identify sustainable solutions to socio-economic challenges facing the county.

Barasa also took aim at Mutoro, who had previously called for investigations into the credibility of his academic credentials and urged relevant institutions to verify his qualifications.

The Kimilili legislator then turned his attention to Natembeya's TAWE movement, challenging Mutoro and his colleagues to investigate why, according to him, Natembeya does not have a registered political party despite being associated with the political movement.

He cited Caleb Hamisi, Ndindi Nyoro and Babu Owino as examples of politicians who have established or lead political parties and asked why the same had not happened with Natembeya.

“Herein lies your opportunity to shine. I challenge you to interrogate this anomaly,” Barasa said, describing the issue as a potential research gap.

Barasa's remarks come amid continued political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political formations and individual leaders positioning themselves for various elective positions.

The MP has also faced renewed scrutiny over his academic credentials. On September 17, 2026, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) said Barasa was not a student at the institution and that a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering certificate attributed to the university was not genuine.

The latest development has added another layer to the ongoing public debate surrounding Barasa's academic history, even as Murang’a University of Technology has confirmed his completion of doctoral requirements and officially conferred the PhD in August 2026.