The alleged incident has sparked sharp reactions from Democratic Congress Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malalah and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who have separately demanded action over what they described as growing political violence in the county.
Malalah accused individuals he claimed were associated with Governor Barasa of attacking the MCAs, alleging that the legislators had been targeted because of their criticism of the county administration.
“News that six Lugari MCAs have been violently attacked by goons associated with Kakamega County Governor while attending a public function is not only disturbing but a reflection of a continuing dangerous culture of political intolerance that is running out of hand,” Malalah said.
The MCAs named in Malalah's statement are Titus Kwoma of Chekalini Ward, Benard Mulama of Lumakanda Ward, Gray Moi of Lugari Ward, Charles Anyona of Mautuma Ward, Dan Mukwami of Lwandeti Ward and Pius of Chevaywa Ward.
According to Malalah, the legislators had raised questions over development and service delivery in Lugari Sub-County.
“The six have been marked as enemies of the Governor for raising critical governance issues especially exclusion of Lugari Sub-County from key county government programs; poor roads, dwindling healthcare standards and the poor ECD infrastructure,” he said.
Malalah accuses Barasa camp of repeated violence
Malalah alleged that the reported Lugari incident was not an isolated occurrence, pointing to another confrontation involving MCA Sakaya Shitsimi.
“Today's happenings are not isolated,” Malalah said.
He claimed that individuals associated with the governor had also attacked Shitsimi during the burial ceremony of former legislator Fred Mutsami at Malava Boys High School.
“Hon. Shitsimi's crime according to Barasa was asking for County projects for the people of Malava,” he alleged.
Malalah also referred to an earlier incident at Buhuru Market in Mumias West, where he alleged that traders and boda boda operators were assaulted.
“Every corner of Kakamega has a story about this unending violence,” he said.
The allegations come against the backdrop of broader political tensions in Kakamega. In April, Khalwale also accused rival political groups linked to Governor Barasa and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda of violence during a burial ceremony in Ikolomani. The incident reportedly resulted in injuries and property damage, with Khalwale calling for investigations and arrests.
Malalah demands protection for MCAs
Malalah said county legislators should be allowed to carry out their constitutional oversight responsibilities without intimidation.
“Kakamega Governor must know that MCAs roles are clearly stated in the CoK 2010, County Government Act and other related legislations; a stand out being oversight,” he said.
He warned that alleged attacks against MCAs could have consequences beyond the county assembly.
“If MCAs are not safe from Barasa's goons because of doing their job, clearly every citizen of Kakamega must never question poor governance by Baraza lest they are attacked or visited at night,” Malalah said.
Malalah also questioned the response of security agencies in the county.
“To the Kakamega County security apparatus led by the County Commissioner, the people of Kakamega are keenly following this disturbing events,” he said.
He added: “The inaction of the police and their inability to bring this to a stop; they are asking one pertinent question, is the Governor of Kakamega and his legion of goons above the law and if the police can't protect citizens from such heinous acts, then who will?”
Khalwale calls for Barasa's arrest
Khalwale separately weighed in on the alleged attack, saying two of the MCAs were receiving treatment in hospital.
“We are wishing MCAs Hon Grey Moyi of Lugari Ward and Hon Bokanda of Lumakanda Ward in Lugari Constituency a quick recovery as they fight for their lives in hospital following violence at Lumakanda today,” Khalwale said.
The senator then called on the Inspector General of Police to arrest Governor Barasa.
“The @IG_NPS must immediately arrest Fernandes Barasa, who ferried goons to attack the MCAs because of their divergent political orientation,” Khalwale said.
Khalwale further linked the alleged attack to the MCAs' recent political activities.
“These MCAs joined me in hosting Linda Mwananchi rallies Lugari Constituency three weeks ago,” he said.
Barasa's position on political violence
The allegations against Governor Barasa remain claims by his political opponents and have not been independently established from the statements provided.
Barasa has previously publicly condemned political violence and intimidation, calling on political leaders in Kakamega to exercise restraint and urging security agencies to maintain peace.
The governor's official platform also carries a statement in which he condemned an attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and called for swift police action and justice.
Barasa's response to the latest allegations was not included in the statements issued by Malalah and Khalwale.
The National Police Service had also not, in the material reviewed for this report, issued a detailed public account establishing who was responsible for the alleged attack.
Political tensions rise in Kakamega
The latest accusations come as political competition intensifies in Kakamega, with Barasa facing growing criticism from rival political figures.
Recent political reporting has highlighted tensions between Barasa and other senior Western Kenya politicians, adding to an increasingly competitive political environment in the county.
For residents, however, the immediate concern is whether political disagreements will continue spilling into public gatherings and whether security agencies will hold anyone responsible for violence.
The allegations involving the six MCAs are therefore likely to generate further political debate, particularly if police investigations confirm that the legislators were assaulted and establish the identities of those responsible.
For now, the competing claims leave one central question unanswered: Who attacked the Kakamega MCAs in Lugari, and will the authorities investigate the incident?
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