The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, August 10 expanded its manhunt for Kimilili MP, Didmus Barasa to the neighbouring country of Uganda after new intelligence on the legislator’s escape route.

Bungoma DCI boss told the press that police had received a tipoff that Barasa was spotted boarding a boda boda which he used to cross the border into Uganda. 

Earlier, the politician had been given 24 hours to surrender by Bungoma County commissioner Samuel Kimiti.

The MP is wanted over an incident where he reportedly shot dead an opponent’s driver during a commotion at Chebukwabi polling station. He escaped shortly after the incident. 

According to a police report, the incident occurred when DAP-Kenya party candidate Brian Khaemba toured Chebukwabi polling station in order to witness the counting of votes. Accompanied by his aide and his driver, Khaemba crossed paths with Barasa.

Opting to leave the polling station, Barasa, flanked by four unidentified men, ordered Khaemba and his team not to leave- instructions that the DAP-K candidate defied. 

The police report indicated that Barasa followed Khaemba and opened fire, killing the politician’s aide, Brian Olunga. 

“Hon. Didmus Barasa withdrew a pistol and aimed at Khaemba’s aide namely Brian Olunga and shot him on the forehead where profusely bled,” read part of the report. 

Olunga succumbed to injuries on the way to Kimilili sub-county hospital. Bungoma County police boss Kimiti gave the politician 24 hours to surrender to the police. 

“We want him to surrender to police wherever he is. If any member of the public spots him, let them alert the police,” Kimiti stated. 

The incident was also condemned by Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa who noted that the police ought to shift their focus on nabbing the politician.